Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation Inc
Eviction Defense Staff Attorney
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation Inc, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30383
Job Description
Job Description AVLF creates safe and stable homes and families by inspiring attorneys to fight for equal justice.
AVLF is the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Greater Atlanta. For over 45 years, we have promoted access to justice by inspiring volunteer attorneys to provide high-quality education, advocacy, and representation at no charge to low-income families with basic civil legal needs at critical times in their lives. Our programs include services for domestic violence survivors, landlord/tenant disputes, and evictions. The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) seeks a committed legal advocate to staff a first-of-its-kind program in Georgia. The City of Atlanta has tapped AVLF to run its Access to Counsel program to provide access to counsel in eviction cases and develop approaches to eviction prevention and other housing issues. The program seeks to lay the groundwork for the expansion of access to counsel for City residents marred in the eviction process. A leader in eviction defense work, AVLF will focus on three approaches: (1) outreach to renters to inform them of their rights and their ability to access legal representation (both before an eviction has been filed and after an eviction filing) (2) pre-hearing resolution (pre- and post- eviction filing) to address housing matters, such as demanding necessary repairs, or resolving disputes over rent through negotiation and mediation; and (3) hearing representation where AVLF staff and volunteer attorneys will represent tenants at eviction hearings. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to advocating and working alongside tenants and will be invested in the program's success. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: In coordination with other AVLF staff, engages in outreach to renters to inform them of their rights and their ability to access legal representation in 4 specific geographic regions of the City of Atlanta. Represents tenants in evictions and affirmative cases against property owners, including research and drafting pleadings and motions, engaging in discovery, negotiating resolutions with opposing parties, appearing for formal and informal hearings and case conferences, assessing appeal potential. In coordination with other AVLF staff, works with volunteer attorneys to represent clients facing evictions including training and advising volunteer attorneys. Works closely with the SSH Managing Attorney and fellow Eviction Defense Staff Attorney in meeting program’s goals and objectives. Meets quarterly with SSF team to ascertain the progress, discuss any challenges and explore opportunities. Engages in relationship building with community partners. Serves as program liaison to the media when requested and available. Takes a leadership role in partnering with community organizations and other non-profits; engages in reciprocal services to further AVLF's leadership and credibility in the community; remains highly visible in the legal community. Education and Experience: JD degree and a member of the Georgia Bar in good standing with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant legal experience; previous litigation experience representing tenants and/or representing low-income clients is a plus. Knowledge and Skill Requirements Demonstrated commitment to social justice and legal services to low-income individuals and/or communities, whether through pro bono work or otherwise. Litigation experience is preferred. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including experience and comfort with public speaking. Fluency and proficiency in Spanish is a plus. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, and equally strong analytical legal skills. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, including communicating with diverse constituencies. Ability to handle multiple tasks and problem-solve in a demanding and changing environment. Comfortable learning and working with modern technology and proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel is a plus. Fringe benefits : Health Insurance:
AVLF covers 100% of employee-only Medical and Dental. Voluntary Benefits
: 100% employer-paid coverage for group life, long-term disability, and short-term disability. Retirement:
AVLF contributes 5% of your salary to a retirement plan—no employee match required. Paid Time Off
: Includes 21 PTO days (prorated), 2 floating personal days, and twice-yearly wellness leave. Student Loan Assistance
: Up to $500/month ($6,000/year) with a lifetime maximum of $60,000.(subject to 3 month waiting period) Professional Licensure:
Georgia bar dues and CLE expenses Compensation for this role starts at $67,500 and will be commensurate with skills and experience AVLF offers a comprehensive benefits package, which is based on available funding and may be adjusted at any time as needed
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Job Description AVLF creates safe and stable homes and families by inspiring attorneys to fight for equal justice.
AVLF is the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Greater Atlanta. For over 45 years, we have promoted access to justice by inspiring volunteer attorneys to provide high-quality education, advocacy, and representation at no charge to low-income families with basic civil legal needs at critical times in their lives. Our programs include services for domestic violence survivors, landlord/tenant disputes, and evictions. The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) seeks a committed legal advocate to staff a first-of-its-kind program in Georgia. The City of Atlanta has tapped AVLF to run its Access to Counsel program to provide access to counsel in eviction cases and develop approaches to eviction prevention and other housing issues. The program seeks to lay the groundwork for the expansion of access to counsel for City residents marred in the eviction process. A leader in eviction defense work, AVLF will focus on three approaches: (1) outreach to renters to inform them of their rights and their ability to access legal representation (both before an eviction has been filed and after an eviction filing) (2) pre-hearing resolution (pre- and post- eviction filing) to address housing matters, such as demanding necessary repairs, or resolving disputes over rent through negotiation and mediation; and (3) hearing representation where AVLF staff and volunteer attorneys will represent tenants at eviction hearings. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to advocating and working alongside tenants and will be invested in the program's success. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: In coordination with other AVLF staff, engages in outreach to renters to inform them of their rights and their ability to access legal representation in 4 specific geographic regions of the City of Atlanta. Represents tenants in evictions and affirmative cases against property owners, including research and drafting pleadings and motions, engaging in discovery, negotiating resolutions with opposing parties, appearing for formal and informal hearings and case conferences, assessing appeal potential. In coordination with other AVLF staff, works with volunteer attorneys to represent clients facing evictions including training and advising volunteer attorneys. Works closely with the SSH Managing Attorney and fellow Eviction Defense Staff Attorney in meeting program’s goals and objectives. Meets quarterly with SSF team to ascertain the progress, discuss any challenges and explore opportunities. Engages in relationship building with community partners. Serves as program liaison to the media when requested and available. Takes a leadership role in partnering with community organizations and other non-profits; engages in reciprocal services to further AVLF's leadership and credibility in the community; remains highly visible in the legal community. Education and Experience: JD degree and a member of the Georgia Bar in good standing with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant legal experience; previous litigation experience representing tenants and/or representing low-income clients is a plus. Knowledge and Skill Requirements Demonstrated commitment to social justice and legal services to low-income individuals and/or communities, whether through pro bono work or otherwise. Litigation experience is preferred. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including experience and comfort with public speaking. Fluency and proficiency in Spanish is a plus. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, and equally strong analytical legal skills. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, including communicating with diverse constituencies. Ability to handle multiple tasks and problem-solve in a demanding and changing environment. Comfortable learning and working with modern technology and proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel is a plus. Fringe benefits : Health Insurance:
AVLF covers 100% of employee-only Medical and Dental. Voluntary Benefits
: 100% employer-paid coverage for group life, long-term disability, and short-term disability. Retirement:
AVLF contributes 5% of your salary to a retirement plan—no employee match required. Paid Time Off
: Includes 21 PTO days (prorated), 2 floating personal days, and twice-yearly wellness leave. Student Loan Assistance
: Up to $500/month ($6,000/year) with a lifetime maximum of $60,000.(subject to 3 month waiting period) Professional Licensure:
Georgia bar dues and CLE expenses Compensation for this role starts at $67,500 and will be commensurate with skills and experience AVLF offers a comprehensive benefits package, which is based on available funding and may be adjusted at any time as needed
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