Housing Attorney

Job Announcement:
Housing Attorney

Rising for Justice (RFJ) invites applications for a full-time housing attorney position. Reporting to the Director of RFJ’s Tenant Justice Program, the attorney is responsible for legal representation of low-income Washington, D.C. residents in landlord-tenant disputes and other housing-related matters. The ideal candidate will have practiced as a legal services attorney for at least two years and will have a background in housing law.

Responsibilities:
• Provide direct client representation to tenants in eviction actions in the Landlord/Tenant Branch of the D.C. Superior Court;
• Conduct client intake interviews and provide a full range of legal assistance from brief advice and counsel to extended representation;
• Coordinate with court-based and other legal services providers to streamline referrals and promote cooperation on systemic issues;
• Engage in outreach and community education initiatives and build relationships with tenant and other community advocacy groups;
• Participate in case acceptance and other staff meetings;
• Assist with organizational fundraising activities as needed, and ensure the accurate and complete input of data in the office’s case management system; and
• Other duties as assigned in the interest of enhancing client services and community engagement.

Qualifications:
• Must be a member of the Washington, D.C. Bar or be eligible to waive into the D.C. Bar;
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• The ability to work in a fast-paced litigation environment and a desire to serve the community;
• Preferred qualifications include Spanish language skills, housing or consumer litigation experience, and prior poverty law experience.

Hours, Salary, and Benefits: This is a full-time position based on a 40-hour work week. RFJ salaries are set on a scale based on years of experience. The scale for this position is $60,049 to $80,701 annually. RFJ offers an excellent benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous sick, annual, and personal leave; life and disability insurance; and paid federal and local holidays. RFJ offers a hybrid work environment with three days in the office.

To Apply: Each candidate should submit a cover letter and resume by email to Linda Brooks, Director of Human Resources, at [email protected]. Please indicate “Housing Attorney, [your full name]” in the subject line of the email.

Application Deadline: Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

About Rising for Justice: Created in 1969 and formerly known as DC Law Students in Court, RFJ is the oldest clinical teaching program in Washington D.C. RFJ operates as a public interest legal services provider and clinical education program for law and social work graduate students and serves more than 4,000 clients per year. Much of RFJ’s work focuses on fighting eviction and displacement on behalf of low-income tenants in Washington D.C. In addition, RFJ represents justice-involved D.C. residents in need of a fresh start by clearing their criminal records and individuals seeking family stability.

RFJ’s mission is to leverage the collective forces of students and experienced advocates to achieve justice for all. The organization embraces equal justice and diversity as core values and strives to maintain a workplace that is vibrant, welcoming, innovative, and collaborative. RFJ is committed to fostering the thoughtful exchange of ideas and to ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. Its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination includes race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, personal appearance, genetic information, political affiliation, marital status, family responsibilities, disability, status as a veteran, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law or regulation.