Attorney at JCVision and Associates Inc

62FAIR HOUSING ATTORNEY

NOTE: State and federal fair housing laws prohibit housing discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual identity, familial status, disability, and other factors. JCVision and Associates, Inc. does not discriminate based on these factors. JCVision and Associates, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

JCVISION seeks a Fair Housing Attorney for its Fair Housing Program. State and federal fair housing laws prohibit housing discrimination based on race, ethnic identity, sex, familial status, disability, and other factors. JCVision’s fair housing mission is to have communities throughout Georgia free of housing discrimination. The successful candidate will provide a full range of high-quality legal services to individual clients and to client groups, including representation, litigation, negotiation, advocacy, and participation in administrative proceedings that determine the presence of unlawful housing discrimination. The attorney will report to the Executive Director.

LOCATION: Hinesville, GA (Liberty County)

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Full-time position, 32 hours/week, $52,000-$58,000 depending on experience. JCVision offers a student loan repayment program.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Fair Housing Attorney hired for this position will train staff investigators and pro bono attorneys working with JCVision and Associates’ fair housing investigation activities. The Fair Housing Attorney will be responsible for providing training services to housing industry members on state and local levels, conducting interviews and intakes, and developing and investigating individual and systemic housing discrimination cases. The attorney will work with the Testing Coordinator to coordinate systemic and complaint-based tests; maintain detailed case records; draft investigative reports and prepare and present accurate and reliable summaries of findings, recommendations, and relevant statistical data. If discrimination is found, a complaint may be filed with a government agency or in court. This person will work with legal staff at HUD to enhance responses to discrimination complaints. The Fair Housing Attorney will keep informed of developments in federal, state, and local housing laws, regulations, guidelines, court cases, and research. The attorney will practice in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. The Fair Housing Attorney will conduct civil lawsuits, draw up legal documents, advise and counsel victims of discrimination as to legal rights, and practices other phases of fair housing law.

Among other duties as assigned, the Fair Housing Attorney will:

• Manage an individual caseload and provide full and effective legal representation to individuals and/or groups.
• Maintains accurate and complete records and files regarding cases for legal proceedings; assist with the maintenance of databases for grant reporting, investigative reports and other purposes as assigned.
• Investigates and develops cases of incoming housing discrimination complaints, including conducting necessary interviews, making FOIA requests, and consulting appropriate agencies and resources.
• Provide direct representation to complainants who may be facing an eviction, but who believe their fair housing rights have been violated.
• Investigation and enforcement of fair housing laws in discrimination situations. The attorney will support and provide supplemental support for project research in compliance with federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws, the Fair Housing Act, and HUD regulations.
• Devise legal strategies to produce the greatest positive impact most efficiently.
• Maintain and gain knowledge in a specialized area of law, and competence in related areas of law.
• Counsels and advises clients in legal matters; negotiates on behalf of clients.
• Represent clients in court in administrative civil rights enforcement activities, government agencies, and federal court proceedings.
• Supervise legal interns, if any, in fair housing litigation and administrative enforcement activities.
• Draft letters, memos, pleadings, briefs, legal documents, and written materials.
• Have excellent legal research, analytical, writing, and speaking skills and experience.
• Makes referrals and follows up referrals of clients to appropriate alternative or additional sources of assistance.
• Work as a team and support the mission and goals of the organization and programs.
• Develops and maintains networking relationships with social service agencies.
• Provides community training on fair housing issues.
• Coordinate press relations and arrange interviews and appearances for JCVISION staff for print, radio, and television media.
• Assist with grant reporting, as appropriate and applicable, and provide accurate and complete information.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrate a commitment to civil rights and public interest work.
• Graduate of an accredited law school and must be a member of the Georgia Bar.
• Knowledge of fair housing rules, regulations, and laws is helpful. JCVISION is willing to train.
• Working knowledge of Georgia landlord-tenant law and experience representing tenants in Georgia courts preferable
• Knowledge of the Georgia and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with different audiences through public speaking, writing, partnership development, and community education events.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to perform tasks necessary to maintain a substantial active caseload of advocacy and litigation.
• Ability to analyze, write, and present ideas and legal concepts clearly and concisely.
• Applicants who speak Spanish are highly valued.
• A valid Georgia driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.

This position begins when filled and is funded through the end of the year. We anticipate ongoing funding year to year.

CLOSING DATE: When filled

TO APPLY: Send a letter explaining your interest and experience, your resume, and a list of three references, to:

Dana Ingram, Executive Director

JCVision and Associates, Inc.

PO Box 1972, Hinesville, GA

***************

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $54,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 1 - 3 years
Salary: $54,000 - $62,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No