The role of the Eviction Defense (Right to Counsel) staff attorney is to provide representation to low-income tenants in Clark County facing eviction through unlawful detainer actions. This position requires attorneys to work with clients to prepare defenses and appear at hearings on a regular basis. Eviction Defense attorneys are sometimes required to consult with and represent new clients at court on the day of their hearings. The Eviction Defense Attorney reports to the Housing Programs Managing Attorney.

Responsibilities of this Position Include:

Primary Responsibilities:

• Client Consultation
  • Meet with and interview clients.
  • Ensure client communications are conducted in a trauma-informed manner while providing equitable access to clients with various language needs, physical accessibility needs, and cultural barriers.
  • Identify issues and defenses related to housing and unlawful detainer actions.
  • Advise clients on various aspects of the court and eviction process including:
    • Non-litigation resolution strategies
    • Unlawful detainer timelines and potential penalties
    • General rental and landlord interaction advice
    • Evidentiary needs and the gathering of documents
    • Courtroom etiquette and expectations
• Legal Drafting and Representation
  • Negotiate settlement of housing disputes.
  • Prepare pleadings and briefings on tenant defense matters.
  • Create and draft rent repayment plans and other agreements between landlords and tenants.
  • Assist clients in connecting with housing service providers.
• In-Court Services
  • Present and argue defenses before the Court at weekly dockets and other required hearings, including bench and jury trials. Appellate advocacy may also occur at the discretion of the attorney and managing attorney.
  • Meet and negotiate with landlords and landlord attorneys at the courthouse.
  • Accept appointment of new clients at court on the day of their unlawful detainer hearing.
    • Interview clients and identify defenses in an expedited setting.
    • Negotiate potential settlements and payment plans with landlords and landlord attorneys.
    • Prepare and present defenses in a quick and concise manner.

Other Duties:

• Track and implement changes to housing laws and related programs.
• Coordinate cases with staff and volunteer attorneys through the Housing Justice Program.
• Check email and internal communications (i.e. Google chats) and respond with regularity.
• Track case time using LegalServer for accurate reporting to funders and statewide entities (i.e., Office of Civil Legal Aid).
• Ensure case completeness by maintaining up-to-date case files in LegalServer with detailed notes including issues, case history and planned strategy. Work should be entered as it is completed when possible and daily when not.
• Work collaboratively with support staff who are aiding multiple Eviction Defense attorneys.
• Perform community outreach which can include community-wide presentations.

General Responsibilities (applicable to all positions within the organization):

• Ensure that client files and records are kept confidential in accordance with WA RPCS and CCVLP policies.
• Ensure compliance with established CCVLP policies.
• Attend staff meetings and, as necessary, meetings with community partners.
• Attend and participate in relevant community events as a staff member of CCVLP

Community Engagement