Housing Justice Attorney (Part-time)

About Washington Lawyers'​ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC) works to create legal, economic, and social equity through litigation, client and public education, and public policy advocacy with a primary focus on racial justice. For the last 55 years, the Committee has been on the cutting edge of civil rights advocacy in the region bringing precedent setting litigation to address discrimination. Our work focuses on injustices in housing, employment, the criminal legal system, education, public accommodations, and the civil rights of immigrants. We partner with individuals and communities facing discrimination and with the legal community to achieve justice. The Committee’s staff is unionized with the National Organization of Legal Service Workers Local #2320, UAW. For more information on the Washington Lawyers’ Committee, please go to www.washlaw.org.

About the role

The Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs ("WLC") seeks a part-time, temporary attorney to join the Committee's Housing Justice Team to support litigation and other legal services on behalf of District of Columbia tenants. This position is for 30-hours a week and will last six months, unless extended by WLC. WLC seeks applicants who can start immediately.

Position Description

The attorney will support legal services, primarily in the form of systemic litigation, to protect the rights of D.C. tenants. This will include litigation to combat discrimination on the base of race, sex, disability, source of income, and other protected categories; address deplorable housing conditions and tenants' rights to organize; and pursue racial and economic justice objectives of our clients. As stated above, the position is for 30 hours a week and will last for six months, unless extended by WLC.

This is a hybrid position requiring in person work in our downtown Washington DC office every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:

• • At least three years of experience in civil litigation;
  • Passion for civil rights and racial equity advocacy;
  • Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations;
  • Ability to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that encourages and celebrate differences; and
  • D.C. Bar membership (in good standing), or the ability to waive in to the D.C. Bar.

Compensation

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with the salaries and benefits provided to permanent staff attorneys employed by WLC, which includes leave and employer-funded benefits. Please note this role is a part-time, temporary position with up to 30-hours a week and is eligible for benefits. See Pay Range for this role.

Application and Selection

A completed application will consist of:

1. Cover letter (no longer than two pages) explaining the ways in which you meet the selection criteria.
2. Current resume
3. List of three references (combination of academic, work, internship):  including former direct supervisors’ names, emails, and telephone numbers
4. Legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages

Note: Please include your references and writing sample within the cover letter, as our application system only allows for two document submissions: resume and cover letter.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.  WLC is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity is an essential component of the Committee, and we encourage all qualified persons to apply.

Applicants are accorded an equal opportunity for selection without regard to actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, or political affiliation.