ArchCity Defenders seeks a diligent and creative individual with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff of attorneys, paralegals, social workers, community organizers, and media and communication advocates who collaborate to provide holistic advocacy to address the causes and consequences of poverty and involvement with the legal system.
This skilled attorney will join the team leading our direct representation work to provide holistic legal services, with an emphasis on eviction defense and other client-centered housing litigation, to our clients and will play an important role in supporting ACD’s four-pillar approach.
QUALIFICATIONS:
J.D. with admission to the Missouri Bar or ability to obtain admission through waiver or reciprocity.
Landlord-tenant legal experience is preferred, but not required.
Experience in Missouri state court is preferred, but not required.
Looking for a self-starter with a passion for racial and economic justice.
Demonstrated interest in movement lawyering and understanding of litigation as a tool for social change.
Demonstrated ability to manage high volume workload effectively.
Ability to use and accurately record work time in an electronic case database.
Excellent research and persuasive writing skills, including experience drafting persuasive pleadings, motions, and memoranda of law.
Experience with the civil discovery process, including drafting requests for production of documents and interrogatories, conducting depositions, and related motion practice.
Ability to identify and develop relationships of trust with impacted individuals, including by addressing other collateral legal needs.
Access to means of transportation to courthouses and other case-related locations in the St. Louis region.
Experience advocating for clients in court, including the ability to argue motions, conduct evidentiary hearings/trials, and preserve a legal record.
Trial experience preferred, but not required.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Embrace and support ACD’s overall mission, standards, policies and procedures, and confidentiality guidelines.
Perform holistic intake interviews for ACD applicants.
Provide high-quality legal assistance to eligible clients on matters pertaining to their situations, including, eviction defense, foreclosure defense, consumer matters, and some municipal representation.
Work closely with organizers and special projects and civil litigation teams to support ACD’s systemic change efforts in the housing context.
Maintain a caseload commensurate with abilities and case difficulty.
Maintain regular communication with clients including institutional visits as necessary.
Maintain the highest ethical standards as a member of the State Bar and remain current with updates and changes to the law.
Support, promote, and participate in community education, outreach and develop good public relations with the client community, state and local bar, and other community groups.
Direct and monitor activities of paralegals and, as requested by management, interns, and volunteers.
Ensure that all applicable client files (physical and electronic), data, and reports are accurate and complete.
Attend regular organizational meetings and participate in organizational development projects as directed.
Demonstrate knowledge and expertise of the law and legal system.
Other duties as directed by management.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills: able to work well with a wide range of people.
Experience and/or training in working with clients experiencing housing crises or homelessness.
Experience and/or training in mental health, conflict resolution, or trauma-informed crisis intervention.
Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Demonstrate dependability through good attendance and adherence to timelines and schedules.
Good follow-through related to client needs, grant compliance, and projects.
Good problem-solving skills.
Demonstrate resourcefulness and ability to take initiative in the development and completion of projects.
Able and willing to continue professional development, including learning new areas of law as needed.
Knowledge of the St. Louis region is a plus.
This is a full-time position with benefits and a salary commensurate with experience. Health coverage, 401(k), paid vacation, mileage reimbursement, paid continuing education opportunities, and paid Bar dues.
ArchCity Defenders is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQIA+, and gender non-conforming applicants.
Interested Parties/How to Apply:
To apply, complete the form and upload a cover letter addressed to Jacki Langum, Director of Advocacy, a resume, and writing sample to the following website:
https://tinyurl.com/ACDDirectRep2
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit materials as soon as possible.