Staff Attorney

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The Legal Services Department provides trauma-informed, client-centered holistic legal services including consultations, representation, legal advocacy, and safety planning to LGBTQI+ community members, focusing on transgender, non-binary, intersex adults, immigrants at risk of deportation, and youth and seniors at risk of homelessness. The client base is predominantly BIPOC survivors of violence and discrimination. Services are delivered across multiple community locations.

JOB SUMMARY: The Staff Attorney - Survivor Services provides direct legal services and immigration representation to LGBTQI+ survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and related violence. This role focuses on civil legal remedies including immigration relief, restraining orders, civil rights protections, employment, and housing legal services. The attorney coordinates with the Survivor Services Hub and other departments to ensure trauma-informed, holistic service delivery. Additionally, the position supports policy and advocacy efforts through collaboration with the Policy and Community Building Department and external coalitions, participates in community education, and attends organizational meetings. The role operates under supervision without independent program, budget, or staff management authority.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Direct Legal Services

• Review client intakes conducted by Survivor Services Hub (SSH) staff and conduct Legal Services intakes where appropriate.

• Conduct consultations and case triage for survivors referred by SSH staff.

• Support SSH staff with survivor safety planning.

• Provide full-scope, trauma-informed legal representation in civil protection matters including Domestic Violence, Civil Harassment, Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse, and Workplace Violence Restraining Orders.

• Represent clients in related administrative hearings and court proceedings.

• Provide full-scope immigration representation including VAWA self-petitions, U visas, T visas, SIJS, adjustment of status, naturalization, and removal defense.

• Advise and represent clients on state and local civil rights remedies for discrimination and LGBTQI+-targeted harassment under relevant civil rights acts.

• Advise and represent clients on housing rights and protections including emergency lock changes, lease termination rights, relocation assistance, habitability conditions, unlawful detainer defense, and protections against housing discrimination.

• Draft and file legal documents, prepare evidence and declarations, and represent clients before USCIS, state courts, and administrative agencies.

Program Coordination

• Coordinate with Survivor Services Hub and social services staff to ensure trauma-informed, holistic service delivery.

• Collaborate with Health Services, Senior Services, Youth Services, and other departments requiring legal services.

Policy and Advocacy

• Support strategy and campaign development on anti-violence, civil rights, and survivor protection policy priorities with Policy and Community Building Department.

• Serve as liaison to coalitions, domestic violence service providers, legal aid organizations, and policy organizations.

• Participate in local, state, and national advocacy efforts to advance legal protections for LGBTQI+ survivors.

• Develop and deliver Know-Your-Rights training and community education presentations on restraining orders, civil rights remedies, and survivor protections.

Operations and Collaboration

• Input and track data, maintain client files, and prepare monthly reports.

• Participate in internal and external meetings to support departmental and organizational integration.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• No formal supervisory responsibilities. Works with managers to coordinate team workflows, support staff implementation, and maintain consistent practices.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 3 years’ experience providing culturally responsive direct legal services in immigration, domestic violence, anti-violence, or civil rights legal services, preferably in a non-profit setting.

• Ability to research, analyze, and become competent in new or unfamiliar areas of law.

• Organizational and time management skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Knowledge of immigration law, civil protection orders, civil rights law, housing rights, and related legal areas relevant to LGBTQI+ survivors.

• Active California State Bar License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual skills strongly preferred (English/Spanish verbal and written fluency).

The Los Angeles LGBT Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering diversity within its staff. Applications are encouraged from all persons regardless of their race, color, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, religion, disability, age, military or veteran status, including status as a victim of domestic violence, assault or stalking, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation or activities, medical or health conditions, or marital status.