Post Graduate Fellow- Stay Housed LA Project

Description: Post Graduate Fellow- Stay Housed LA Project(2-Year Fellowship with the Option to Continue; starting Fall 2026)

Change Lives and Transform Communities – Join Our Stay Housed Team!

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free assistance to over 160,000 individuals and families each year through innovative projects that expand access to justice. We see the law as a powerful tool for social change and we’re looking for passionate individuals to help us fight for justice.

We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we believe that a strong community is built through inclusivity. NLSLA is proud to foster an environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and abilities, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

About the Role
Stay Housed L.A is a partnership between Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles and local community and legal service providers to implement a county-wide right to counsel program. Together, we provide the tenants of Los Angeles County with a range of services from providing legal information and resources and in some cases, providing representation in court eviction proceedings. NLSLA is seeking current 3Ls and recent law school graduates to join our eviction defense team in the Fall of 2026, which is tasked with addressing the housing crisis in Los Angeles through the implementation of a county-wide right to counsel program. The Post Graduate Fellow will defend tenants against eviction in cases filed in the Stanley Mosk, Chatsworth, Van Nuys, Pasadena, Antelope Valley and West Covina courthouses.

In this role, you would report to the Associate Supervising Attorney. This position exempt and temporary.

What You’ll Do

• Assist with defending tenants against eviction in all stages of litigation.
• Responsibilities include interviewing and counseling clients affected by housing issues, participating in clinics and other community outreach projects, working on policy issues relating to eviction and/or housing, and representing subsidized housing clients in administrative hearings and writs.
• Fellows may be required to travel to NLSLA branch offices, courts, government agencies, shelters and community-based organizations throughout Los Angeles County.
• This position is hybrid. Employees are required to work in the office a minimum of two days per week, as in-person presence is considered essential to the role.

Requirements:

What You’ll Need

• Candidates must be planning to take the California Bar Exam in February or July 2026.
• Demonstrated commitment to tenants’ rights.
• Strong oral/written communication skills coupled with an ability to employ patience and sensitivity when working with people in crisis.
• Excel at working collaboratively and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms.
• Passion for NLSLA mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.
• Passion, empathy, and compassion for supporting people from different lived experiences.

Bonus Points

• Are bilingual in Spanish, due to the high number of Spanish-speaking residents in the community, or in any of the other Los Angeles threshold languages, which is highly valued in our community outreach efforts.
• Prior experience working in a legal aid law firm.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us
At NLSLA, we believe in supporting our staff as they grow in their careers and live balanced lives. We offer:

• Salary: $71,000
• Work-Life Balance: A 35-hour workweek and a hybrid work schedule to help you balance professional and personal commitments.
• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, 2 to 5 weeks of vacation depending on seniority, and 12 days of sick leave. Exempt employees are eligible for compensatory time in accordance with company policy.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a variety of plan options.
  • Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance.
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions and options for voluntary contributions.
  • Monthly bilingual supplement for qualified employees.
  • Loan Repayment Assistance Program, which provides law school student loan repayment assistance for eligible individuals.
• A Culture of Inclusion: We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.
• Perks: Technology reimbursement to help you stay connected and equipped to do your best work.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

NLSLA is committed to provide a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of employment discrimination based on each and every characteristic protected under the law and beyond.

Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, promoting, or terminating are made fairly, and are based on job-related qualities and abilities. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome.

We further expect every member of the NLSLA community to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Please note that, in limited circumstances, certain convictions may be considered incompatible with the responsibilities of specific roles, particularly where the safety and well-being of vulnerable client populations are a concern.

NLSLA’s Commitments

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging within our organization and the communities we serve. We achieve this through:

• Continuous Learning: Cultivating cultural competency and humility among staff through ongoing training, open dialogue, and self-reflection.
• Equitable Practices: Regularly reviewing and revising policies, procedures, and decision-making processes to ensure fairness and access for all.
• Strategic Resource Allocation: Directing resources towards initiatives that empower communities.
• Meaningful Community Engagement: Partnering with the communities we serve to co-create solutions and foster trust.
• A Respectful Workplace: Providing a work environment free from discrimination and where every individual is valued, heard, and respected for their unique contributions.