Attorney – Housing Intake & Assessment

Community Legal Aid SoCal

Attorney in Housing Intake and Assessment at CLA SoCal helping clients navigate emergency housing issues. Providing legal assessments and support for low-income residents in Southern California.

Posted 5/19/2026full-timeSanta Ana • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $80,000 - $98,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Help clients feel seen and supported by providing thoughtful legal assessments that pave the way for stability and justice.
Work in the Intake and Assessment Unit (IAU) to triage emergency housing issues including preparing stays of execution, motions to set aside, and answers.
Conduct intake and assessment of new clients, with a focus on Orange County residents, via the CLA SoCal Hotline and outreach events.
Provide counsel and advice and limited service to clients via our intake systems focused on housing law.
Triage IAU intake clients who cannot be scheduled for a housing appointment.
Work closely with intake screeners and paralegals around housing issues.
Ensure timely and appropriate responses to requests for legal assistance.
Collect client data for grant reporting purposes.
Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer).
Interview clients.
Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients.
Engage in case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
Research and write pleadings, memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents.
Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
Engage in policy advocacy, coordinate, and collaborate in policy campaigns with partner community-based organizations to improve systemic issues.
Direct and supervise the legal work of paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers.
Identify wrap around legal services and work collaboratively with CLA SoCal’s various legal units.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good-standing of the California Bar or member to another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider
Knowledge of, and comfort with, intake systems and technology – Preferred
Demonstrated knowledge of Housing Law– Preferred
Bilingual Language (Spanish or Vietnamese) - Preferred
Organized, with ability to work on high-volume caseload
Experience with diverse client populations
Strong personal work ethic, initiative, and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision
Ability to spot legal issues and provide real-time counsel & advice
Strong interpersonal and client communication skills
Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
Empathetic and energetic attitude while working with others
Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks
Commitment to CLA SoCal’s mission and values – Required.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

Juris Doctor degreeHousing Lawintake systemslegal researchpleadingsmemorandacase managementclient data collectionpolicy advocacylegal writing

Soft Skills

strong work ethicinitiativeorganizational skillsinterpersonal skillsclient communicationempathyenergytime managementability to work independentlyability to manage diverse activities

Certifications

active member of the California Barlegal services provider registration