Eviction Defense Attorney

The Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center (LaFHAC) seeks an experienced attorney to support the efforts of LaFHAC’s New Orleans-based team. The Eviction Defense Attorney will support LaFHAC’s Enforcement team as they provide eviction defense to clients.

About LaFHAC:

LaFHAC is a non-profit organization that seeks to eradicate housing discrimination, an illegal and divisive force that perpetuates poverty and segregation, and limits opportunity. LaFHAC was established in 1995 and is the only full-service fair housing advocacy organization in Louisiana. LaFHAC addresses housing discrimination by 1) educating housing consumers and providers about their rights and responsibilities to proactively prevent violations of the Fair Housing Act; 2) investigating fair housing violations; 3) challenging discriminatory housing practices policies through litigation; 4) advocating for new policies that promote equitable housing; and 5) counseling homeowners facing foreclosure.

Project Description:

The Eviction Defense attorney will work on LaFHAC’s eviction defense project, with an emphasis on serving clients that fall outside of legal aid’s service boundaries.  The Eviction Defense attorney’s work will be focused solely on eviction defense in Orleans Parish/City of New Orleans as a response to the ongoing eviction crisis.  The attorney will work closely with the local LSC-funded legal aid organization, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, to identify the populations that are most likely to be underserved, as well as to provide and be a source for referrals.  The Eviction Defense attorney will appear regularly in Orleans Parish Civil District Court, to defend tenants facing eviction. 

Responsibilities included, but are not limited to:

The Eviction Defense Attorney’s duties and responsibilities will include: 

• Provide quality representation and advice to individuals facing eviction in Orleans Parish.
• Collaborate with SLLS to ensure coverage on the help desk 1-2 times per month. 
• Manage administrative aspects of representation including updating case notes and closing out files.  
• Serve as a  liaison to locally-based coalitions that are working to protect tenants from eviction.
• Conduct outreach at community events and during other outreach efforts.
• Provide information and education to affinity groups and elected officials to improve conditions and outcomes for tenants. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Please Note: LaFHAC’s staff continues to work on a hybrid schedule due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Employees are required to work in the office two days per week.

Qualifications:

Our ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Current ability to practice law in Louisiana is required. Given the immediate need, we are unable to accept unlicensed or license-pending applicants.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in housing and ideally eviction defense
• Passion for civil rights advocacy and housing justice
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work on teams and with different working styles

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $60,000- $65,000.  Placement on the pay scale is based on the following factors: years of relevant work experience; relevant undergraduate degree (or higher) or certification received; bilingual language skills; and connections to the community.  

LaFHAC’s benefits include:

• 100% employer-paid medical insurance with available dental and vision coverage
• Flex spending account
• 401(k) with employer-matched contributions
• Paid vacation
• Paid parental leave
• Hybrid and flexible work policies. 

How to Apply:

The position is open until filled but we will begin reviewing applications May 30th. Please email a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in the position to resumes@lafairhousing.org with the subject line “Eviction Defense Attorney.”  All correspondence should be addressed to Executive Director, Ameca Reali. Please note: due to the expected volume of submissions, we will not be able to return emails or phone calls about specific applications. 

LaFHAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. LaFHAC values diversity and inclusion in the workplace because it enhances the work we do, reflects the communities we serve, and embodies the values we further and defend. Candidates of all backgrounds are welcome.