Founded in 1981, the Public Law Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free legal services to low-income residents and nonprofits in Orange County. Last year, its staff and volunteers provided more than 65,000 hours of free legal services across 4,500+ cases, benefiting children, adults, and seniors. Services include legal counseling, representation, community education, policy advocacy, and impact litigation to address societal injustices.
The Public Law Center’s Housing and Homelessness Prevention Unit seeks a passionate advocate to fight for low-income tenants and self-represented litigants in Orange County through innovative, community-centered legal services.
The Unit provides direct and pro bono representation in unlawful detainer, discrimination, harassment, housing voucher disputes, affordable housing advocacy, and other housing matters. It also supports community education, legal clinics, and local and statewide advocacy.
This position offers an opportunity to transition to a Staff Attorney role after one year, contingent upon bar admission.
Responsibilities:
- Manage a diverse caseload representing low-income tenants in eviction, discrimination, habitability, subsidized housing, and landlord/tenant matters.
- Coordinate referrals to other PLC units for comprehensive legal services.
- Investigate cases through housing inspections and review of agency records and documents.
- Represent PLC at networking and community outreach events.
- Full-time position with occasional evening and weekend work.
- Attend remote and in-person meetings and travel throughout Orange County and, as needed, neighboring counties. Must be based in Southern California and able to work from PLC’s Santa Ana office.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- California Bar membership, pending admission, or eligibility under the State Bar Multijurisdictional Practice Program.
- Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese preferred.
- Housing law and/or eviction defense experience preferred.
- Commitment to serving low-income communities.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks independently and collaboratively.
- Reliable transportation required.
The annual salary is $70,000 while licensure is pending; $79,000 once admitted to the CA Bar.
Go HERE to view the complete job description and to apply.
