Job description

Eviction Defense Staff Attorney

The Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council (EHOC) seeks to ensure equal access to housing for all people through education, counseling, investigation, and enforcement. EHOC is the only private, not-for-profit fair housing enforcement agency working to end illegal housing discrimination in the metropolitan St. Louis area.

EHOC is currently seeking attorneys for an Eviction Defense Staff Attorney position to provide direct legal representation to people facing eviction and housing instability because of the COVID-19 crisis. Despite the continued spread of the coronavirus and the lasting health and economic impacts of the pandemic, evictions are on the rise and more and more families are facing housing instability. Low income communities of color are disproportionately affected by this in the greater St. Louis region, and there are rising rates of housing discrimination against tenants because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, family status, or disability. The Staff Attorney will help people navigate the legal process as well as help tenants access resources that help them stay housed and avoid the long-term effects of having an eviction filing on their record.

Primary Responsibilities will include:

• Provide high-quality legal representation to tenants in eviction-related matters in state court and administrative proceedings in the St. Louis metropolitan region, conducting a full range of litigation activities, including drafting pleadings, conducting depositions, motion practice, and trial;
• Evaluate potential eviction-related and fair housing issues to determine program acceptance and scope of representation;
• Participate in high-impact eviction-related and fair housing cases at all levels in state and federal courts;
• Conduct and oversee client interviews, investigation, field investigations, and fact gathering;
• Provide landlord-tenant, fair housing, and fair lending education and outreach to community members, stakeholders, service providers, government officials, developers, and housing providers in the region;
• Work in collaboration with community organizations that provide rental assistance and other supportive services;
• Assist with training and community education on landlord-tenant and fair housing matters amongst various audiences, including agency interns, volunteers, and community members;
• Stay abreast of eviction and fair housing law as it develops and changes and ensure that the Eviction Defense program is applying new housing law properly;
• Maintain current knowledge on developments in COVID-related court programs and procedures;
• Keep accurate records of case activities and providing necessary information to meet grant and other reporting requirements;
• Perform other duties which may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications:

• JD admitted to practice in Missouri. Recent graduates with Rule 13 Certifications direct client representation experience will be considered;
• Familiarity with Missouri landlord/tenant law and court procedures;
• 2 - 3 years of litigation experience preferred;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to spot legal issues in eviction cases and comfort with providing real-time counsel & advice;
• Experience working independently with minimal supervision;
• Excellent negotiation and organizational skills;
• Ability to relate well and work with low-income clients and collaborate with community stakeholders;
• Capacity to work in a high-volume environment and a changing court and policy landscape.

Compensation ranges from $58,000 - $62,000, depending on experience. Benefits include hybrid, generous vacation and paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability insurance for employees (dependent coverage available), mileage reimbursement/per diem for covered travel. The position is fully funded from a grant. The position will report directly to the Director of Legal Services.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and résumé to Kalila Jackson, Director of Legal Services, at applications@ehoc-stl.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

EHOC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). We prioritize equity and inclusion in our organizational culture and hiring. We encourage all applicants regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, parental status, marital status, formerly incarcerated individuals or on any other identity factor to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $58,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• St. Louis, MO 63110: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• Do you consent to a criminal background check?
• Do you consent to an employee verification?

Experience:

• Litigation: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Bar (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in St. Louis, MO 63110

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