Utah Legal Services - Housing Staff Attorney
Job Summary
Housing staff attorneys at Utah Legal Services provide ethical and competent legal representation and support services to clients from low income and disadvantaged communities across the state of Utah. Utah Legal Services prioritizes helping clients with legal issues that affect their basic needs, including maintaining housing. As a member of our Housing Task Force, staff attorneys assist tenants with landlord-related problems such as eviction, trespass, and benefits under the Emergency Rental Assistance program. In addition, staff attorneys help clients with issues surrounding eligibility for and termination of public and subsidized housing benefits.
Housing attorneys offer legal advice, negotiate, attend court hearings, prepare and file legal documents, all while providing superior case management.
Key Responsibilities
Client Support
Timely respond to client requests.
Clearly communicate with clients to determine their goals; assess factual situations and present legal strategies, advising clients on how governing laws impact their situation.
Advocate for clients, advise on rights and responsibilities, and provide regular updates on developments and case status.
Prepare clients for meetings and court proceedings related to their case.
Court Administration and Hearings
Attend and advocate for clients at both administrative and court proceedings.
Negotiate settlements when appropriate, while mitigating negative consequences to clients whenever possible.
Document Preparation
Prepare, draft, edit and file court documents to further client goals.
Case Management
Manage, organize and strategically review case progression.
Research laws and analyze applicability to a client’s cases.
Skills and Abilities
Excellent interpersonal abilities, verbal and written communication skills.
High level of adaptability, attention to detail, strong analytic and critical thinking abilities.
Demonstration of a strong commitment to assisting individuals from disadvantaged communities.
Professional experience related to federal housing programs or tenant’s rights preferred.
Spanish speaking preferred.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
Admission and good standing within the Utah State Bar Association.
Job Compensation and Location
Starting hourly rate of $30.00/DOE
Excellent medical/dental/vision benefits package, employer matching 403b contributions, generous paid leave, life insurance, flexible scheduling, and remote/hybrid work opportunities.
This is a full-time position (30 hours).
Position is eligible for remote or hybrid work but will require in-person appearances in court and meetings when necessary.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume, a list of three professional references, including their contact information, and a letter of application explaining your interest in the position. Applications should be submitted by email to: work@utahlegalservices.org, by September 9, 2022.