Staff Attorney-Eviction Defense

Eviction Defense Staff Attorney Join the Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program (CCVLP) Team!Are you an attorney who values clear communication, thoughtful advocacy, and treating every client with respect? Do you work well in fast-paced environments where collaboration and preparation matter? Are you committed to ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their ability to pay? Join us in making equitable access to justice a reality.CCVLP is hiring an Eviction Defense Staff Attorney to join our Eviction Defense (sometimes called Right to Counsel or RTC) team. In this role, youll provide direct representation to tenants facing eviction in Clark County, guiding them through the legal process, ensuring they understand their options, advocating for their rights, and working toward outcomes that support housing stability. Youll work closely with other staff attorneys, paralegals, and community partners to provide consistent, high-quality legal support.About the ProgramCCVLPs Eviction Defense program provides free legal representation to tenants once an eviction summons has been served or a case has been filed in court. Our team works to protect tenants rights, prevent homelessness, and ensure that individuals are not navigating eviction proceedings alone.The Eviction Defense program works alongside CCVLPs Housing Justice Project (HJP), which supports tenants earlier in the process before a court case is filed. Together, these programs provide comprehensive, coordinated support at every stage of a housing crisis.Our MissionTo provide and facilitate access to justice in Clark County for low-income individuals and marginalized communities through advocacy and civil legal services.Our VisionA legal system that is accessible, fair, and community-centered.Commitment to Race EquityCCVLP has adopted the Washington Race Equity and Justice Initiative and is committed to fighting racism and advocating for equity and inclusion within the CCVLP organization, the Clark County community, and its court systems. All employees of Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program are expected to participate in ongoing discussions and training related to race, equity, and inclusion, to participate in applicable and relevant community events, to uphold CCVLP Community Agreements in their communications and interactions with coworkers, and to treat all clients, opposing counsel, community partners, and court staff with respect and to conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism.Position OverviewAs an Eviction Defense Staff Attorney, youll serve as a core member of our eviction defense legal team. Much of your work will take place in a fast-moving litigation environment, including weekly court dockets, client consultations, and ongoing case preparation.Youll meet with clients to understand their situation, identify possible defenses, and explain the legal process in a clear and accessible way. Youll prepare legal documents, negotiate with landlords and opposing counsel, and represent clients at hearings and trials.This role requires both strong legal skills and the ability to build trust quickly with clients experiencing high stress and uncertainty.This position includes a combination of in-office and remote work, with regular in-person presence required, including rotations at the courthouse.If you are someone who values steady, thoughtful legal work and wants to be part of a team focused on practical, client-centered outcomes, we hope youll apply.Key ResponsibilitiesMeet with and interview clients and identify issues and defenses related to housing and unlawful detainer actions.Advise clients on various aspects of the court and eviction process Prepare pleadings, motions, and other legal documents, and develop case strategiesRepresent clients at hearings and trials, including weekly dockets and day-of-hearing appointmentsNegotiate with landlords and opposing counsel to resolve cases, including settlement and repayment agreementsCoordinate with paralegals, attorneys, and community partners to support client outcomesWhen applicable and approved by leadership, occasional appellate advocacy may occurWe Need to SeeLicensed to practice law in Washington state -OR- eligible to become licensed to practice in Washington state (i.e. by Universal Bar Exam or having successfully passed the Washington state bar exam) Comfort with or willingness to engage in fast-paced litigation and courtroom advocacyWed Like to SeeBilingual English/Spanish, English/Chuukese, or English/Russian proficiency with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with clients whose first language is not EnglishExperience working with interpretersFamiliarity with trauma-informed and equity-centered service approachesStrong organizational skills and a commitment to thorough and accurate timekeeping and notetaking.Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage compassionately and clearly with diverse clients and to stay grounded under pressureWe Welcome New AttorneysWe know great advocates come from many paths.Whether you have recently passed the Washington state bar exam or are licensed in another state but eligible for Washington licensure, we encourage you to apply. CCVLP offers mentorship, training, and support to help you develop as a skilled tenants rights attorney.Application Process and Important DatesTo apply, please submit a resume and cover letter explaining how your experience meets the responsibilities of this role. We utilize an anonymized application review process to reduce bias. All your materials, including your cover letter, will be fully reviewed if youre selected for an interview, so we encourage you to make it personal and let us get a sense of your unique voice outside of your resume.All interviews will be conducted virtually via Zoom.Application Deadline: 8:00 AM PST on Friday, May 15th, 2026Application Review Start Date: May 15th, 2026Interview Notifications Sent By: End of Day May 19th, 2026Interviews: Thursday, May 21st, 2026 (please hold 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST) Possible Written Responses to Additional Questions Requested from Final Candidates: Sent out by May 22nd, 2026 and due back May 26th, 2026Decision Expected By: End of Day Wednesday, May 27th, 2026Preferred Start Date: Sometime in the first full week of June 2026 (but willing to negotiate a later date)As always, this is a best guess schedule and if changes occur, candidates will be kept informed.Contact InformationFor questions or additional information, please contact apply@ccvlp.org.Read MoreThe full job description is available here: https://ccvlp.notion.site/eviction-defense-staff-attorneyLearn more about our benefits and employment policies:https://ccvlp.notion.site/basics-of-employment
recblid ogvq8t614t5fxzj139c1gndelx9g1l