Entry Level Attorney - Consumer Defense (Hybrid)

Description

Are you a newly licensed attorney eager to gain hands-on experience by standing up for consumers facing unfair business practices?

The Attorney will join the Consumer Defense Unit to help low-income individuals protect their rights in debt collection lawsuits, default judgments, and other consumer-related legal matters in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. This role provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact through direct representation, advocacy, and client-centered legal services for communities facing financial hardship.

This is a two-year, full-time, exempt position based in the Santa Ana office and reports to the Supervising Attorney. The position may become permanent, subject to funding availability. Applicants must be active members of the California Bar and within three years of post-law school graduation.

Responsibilities:

• Provide litigation support and manage an individual caseload under attorney supervision, including motion practice, negotiations, settlements, trials, and client advocacy in consumer defense matters.
• Interview, advise, and represent clients on debt collection, credit reporting, and related consumer issues using trauma-informed approaches.
• Engage in community outreach and education by leading “Know Your Rights” workshops, educating homeowners on protecting home equity, and collaborating with community groups and coalitions focused on consumer and financial justice.
• Develop and deploy multilingual educational materials and social media campaigns to expand consumer awareness and protect vulnerable homeowners.
• Interview and communicate with clients effectively and empathetically while maintaining detailed, accurate case notes and timekeeping in Legal Server.
• Conduct case investigations, witness interviews, and thorough factual and legal research to support effective advocacy.
• Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda, correspondence, and other legal documents in consumer defense matters.
• Collaborate with community organizations, conduct outreach and education, and coordinate wrap-around legal services with CLA SoCal’s other legal units.
• Work with a multicultural perspective of inclusion.
• Perform other duties as required to meet organizational needs.

Requirements

Education:

• Juris Doctor and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California
• Graduated from law school within 3 years prior to hiring date.

Qualifications:

• Comfortable providing real-time legal counsel and advice with attention to detail and professionalism.
• Organized and able to manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work empathetically with indigent clients using client-centered and trauma-informed approaches.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and document preparation software, with a strong commitment to social justice.
• Familiarity or interest with consumer law, debt collection defense, and credit reporting issues – Preferred.
• Familiarity or interest with foreclosure process, mortgage arrearage payments, loss mitigation, and/or homeowners’ legal options - Preferred.
• Litigation experience, including discovery, depositions, and trial representation – Preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency – Preferred.
• Strong advocacy skills with excellent written and oral communication abilities.
• Commitment to CLA SoCal’s mission and values.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel within the service area.

Holistic Benefits:

• Hybrid Schedule
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff
• May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program

About CLA SoCal:

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.