The Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers group is hiring a staff attorney for a grant funded Housing Justice Project.

The Housing Justice Project (HJP) is a homelessness prevention program providing accessible legal services to low-income, residential tenants facing eviction in Clallam and Jefferson Counties. Legal assistance is through counsel and advice, negotiated settlements, limited representation at Show Cause hearings, or trial when appropriate, and/or referrals depending on tenants’ needs and financial eligibility.

General Information: Clallam Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyer’s new HJP Staff Attorney will participate in housing clinics/consultations and offer direct legal assistance to tenants facing eviction. This is often “day of” assistance, with tenants and the HJP Staff Attorney connecting at the show cause hearing occurring at Clallam or Jefferson County Superior Court and CJCPBL community office.  When using the CJCPBL community office, CJCPBL will cover office expenses including office space, secretarial assistance, and printing/copy costs, internet, and phone costs.  When using a home office or another location to work remotely, the Staff Attorney is responsible for covering those independent costs.  

This is a part-time position requiring travel within Clallam and Jefferson Counties. Employment with CJCPBL is at-will. This position is for a limited period based on grant funding available and it is subject to termination by you or CJCPBL, with or without cause, with or without notice, and at any time.

Advocacy: 

• Work with CJCPBL staff to develop and meet priorities and program goals;
• Provide direct representation of clients, including but not limited to one-time consultation and advice, brief services including motion hearings, negotiation/formal mediation, litigation; 
• Work with, train and mentor volunteers to provide legal advice and limited representation to tenants;
• Understanding and familiarity with RCW 59.18 Residential Landlord Tenant Act and RCW 59.12 Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainers; and,
• Keep up with legislative and regulatory changes and Governor Orders affecting tenant rights.

Administrative and Supervisory: 

• Review and oversee data input in Legal Server data management system;

• Assist and participate in the development of staff attorney and volunteer training materials and trainings;
• Work with local service providers to refer cases for rent assistance.

Qualifications:

• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in Washington state;
• Experience with civil procedure, courtroom protocol, and rules of evidence;
• Experience in housing law including courtroom and trial experience preferred;
• Familiarity with affordable housing programs;
• Demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing issues facing low-income and vulnerable people;
• Strong communication skills and ability to motivate and lead;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people;
• Demonstrated ability to work with limited-English proficient clients and clients with physical or mental disabilities;
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines;
• Ability to analyze information quickly and work well in a fast-paced environment;
• Creative problem solving and mediation skills;
• Proficiency with technology including MS Word, case management systems, Excel, and Outlook;
• Valid Washington State Driver’s Licensed and Insurance.

About Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers

Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers is a non-profit, volunteer lawyer program serving Clallam and Jefferson Counties. We serve low-income clients with civil legal cases and questions, through the strength of our volunteers and staff. Our mission is to provide quality legal assistance to residents of Clallam and Jefferson Counties because we believe justice demands equal access to the legal system

Schedule, Travel, Salary & Benefits

This is a part-time, at-will, contract position requiring weekly travel within Clallam and Jefferson Counties.  Pay is at an hourly rate of $100 per hour with a maximum of $25,000, no benefits other than reimbursement for mileage. This is a grant-funded position and could possibly extend depending on whether additional State funding becomes available.  The Clallam County Eviction Docket occurs every Friday morning at 9 am.  The Jefferson County Eviction Docket occurs every Friday afternoon at 1 pm.  The attorney hired for this position will need to be available to attend both dockets on a weekly basis, consistently, and in-person or by Phone/Zoom, as is requested by the Court. The attorney hired for this position will need to meet with clients prior to the Friday dockets in order to prepare court pleadings and prepare for court.  If trial is appropriate, trials usually occur on Mondays in both counties and the hired attorney would need to be available for trial and work with the court staff in both counties to coordinate availability in both counties.

Application Process

To apply, submit a cover letter describing your interest and qualification for this position, a current resume, and list of three professional references to [email protected] by August 1^st 2021.  For additional questions, contact Shauna Rogers McClain, Executive Director, at 360-504-2422.

Shauna Rogers McClain
Executive Director
Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers
360.504.2422