Job Description

Californians for Homeownership is a non-profit organization that was formed by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) in 2018 to increase the supply of and access to housing in California though impact litigation and education.  The organization is growing, and we are seeking a staff attorney to assist with the organization’s litigation matters and its work with city councils and other local bodies.

The ideal candidate will be skilled in core litigation tasks and committed to the cause of increasing access to housing for California families at all income levels.  The position will provide opportunities to directly participate in impact litigation in support of this cause, including drafting papers and making in-court appearances, with minimal discovery work.  The staff attorney will report to the organization’s Counsel, who acts as its primary litigation attorney. 

Responsibilities

• Draft and file moving and opposition papers, writ briefs, appellate briefs, and other litigation documents.
• Make in-court appearances on active litigation matters.
• Calendar and track litigation and other deadlines.
• Conduct discovery and prepare administrative records in connection with litigation matters.
• Monitor local planning commission and city council agendas and conduct assessments about potential litigation arising out of local planning decisions.
• Prepare public information requests, review responses, and engage in follow-up correspondence.
• Conduct pre-litigation correspondence with public entities and other potential litigation targets.
• Organize and process pleadings, correspondence, exhibits, and other documents.
• Assist with the development of educational materials for public talks and publications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Required

Juris doctor degree from an ABA Accredited Law School required.

Minimum Experience Required

Active California bar membership required by the time of hiring.  Minimum of one year of full-time experience as a practicing attorney in litigation or municipal law.

Skills Required

• Experience drafting, filing, serving, and responding to motions and other papers in state or federal courts, or in connection with administrative proceedings, is required.
• Experience arguing motions and appeals, experience with land use or administrative agency litigation, or experience with writ matters is preferred.
• Familiarity with search techniques and operation of Westlaw and similar legal research databases.
• Strong time management, organization, reasoning, and research skills.
• Excellent computer skills, written and oral communication skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to quickly respond to changing instructions and understand complex cases.
• Working knowledge of software tools necessary to conduct litigation (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Acrobat, and document management systems).

Company Description

Leading the Way...TM isn’t just a slogan at the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.). As one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, C.A.R. provides members with tools to help complete transactions, information to keep them nimble in the marketplace and a strong clear voice on the government steps in Sacramento. How do we do it? We start by hiring friendly, talented people committed to working toward those common goals. Headquartered in sunny Los Angeles, C.A.R. offers part time remote work, business casual wear, an on-site exercise room, a health and wellness program including lunch and learns with guest speakers, a FitBit® program, and collaborative working areas. What else? Medical, dental, vision, vitamin reimbursement, 401(k) retirement plan, 11 paid holidays, and more. C.A.R. staff stand by a set of core values that make us the best in the business. Take a look for yourself and see what we are all about www.car.org. For consideration - qualified applicants only please - submit cover letter and resume (in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format) to: resumes@car.org. C.A.R. and/or its subsidiaries and agents will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance Sorry! Due to the heavy volume of resumes we receive, only candidates being considered will be contacted directly. We appreciate your interest in employment opportunities with the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.