Staff Attorney - Medical Legal Community Partnership

Staff Attorney - Medical Legal Community Partnership

Location:

Los Angeles, CA

Application Open with National Legal Aid & Defender Association

Mental Health Advocacy Services, Inc. (MHAS) is a private, non‑profit organization whose mission is to protect and advance the legal rights of low‑income adults and children with mental health disabilities and empower them to assert those rights in order to maximize their autonomy, achieve equity, and secure the resources they need to thrive. MHAS assists both children and adults, with an emphasis on obtaining government benefits and services, protecting rights, and fighting discrimination.

MHAS also serves as a resource to the community by providing training and technical assistance to attorneys, mental health professionals, consumer and family member groups, and other advocates, and participates in impact litigation and policy work to improve the lives of people with mental health disabilities.

Annual Salary: $75,000 - $79,000, depending on experience.

MHAS seeks to hire a Staff Attorney to provide free legal services to participants of Los Angeles County’s Medical‑Legal Community Partnership (“MLCP”). The Staff Attorney will primarily assist MLCP participants and will also respond to individuals requesting assistance through MHAS’ General Intake line as needed. Through both projects, MHAS assists participants with legal issues to ensure that they have the resources and support needed to achieve better health outcomes and overall well‑being.

The ideal candidate will be expected to respond quickly to intakes in a wide range of subject areas including mental health law, housing, public benefits, consumer law, special education, and tickets and expungement. Other responsibilities will include providing legal training and technical assistance to both staff and clients at our partner agencies and taking on other client and policy work from time to time as deemed appropriate to MHAS’ mission and client goals.

• Providing competent legal assistance to clients through advice and counsel, research and writing, negotiation, administrative advocacy, and court advocacy.
• Developing expertise in a broad range of poverty‑law issues.
• Maintaining a caseload in an organized and efficient manner.
• Creating training materials as assigned.
• Providing technical assistance and training to stakeholders.
• Assisting with project administration.
• Participating in policy advocacy projects.
• Assisting with other projects and tasks related to MHAS’ mission.

• J.D. degree and membership in California State Bar.
• 0 to 3 years of attorney experience.
• Commitment and sensitivity to the rights of people with mental health disabilities and other vulnerable populations.
• Excellent legal research skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.
• Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated ability to work well with diverse social, economic, and ethnic groups.

• Spanish language fluency or proficiency (Bilingual pay supplement of up to $100 per month, subject to language testing).
• Experience advocating on behalf of vulnerable populations.

MHAS adopted a four‑day work week (four eight‑hour days) permanently. Candidates seeking part‑time employment may also apply. The office is closed on Fridays.

Other benefits include paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; employee health, dental, vision, long‑term disability, and life insurance; and parking/transit fare reimbursement.

MHAS is proud of its collegial, family‑friendly culture that respects the work/life balance of employees. Flexible work schedules on a case‑by‑case basis and frequent wellness opportunities (stress management, mindfulness, group meditations, informal staff gatherings) are provided.

MHAS attorneys work remotely with access to the headquarters office as needed. Employees are required to live in the Los…