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Housing Staff Attorney

Reports to

Legal Director

Location

Phoenix, AZ (Hybrid)

Salary

$75,000 - $90,000

The Role

Who We Are

The Phoenix Legal Action Network (PLAN) promotes justice in Arizona by partnering with immigrant-led organizations to advance the rights of immigrants and their families in Phoenix. We are a small and growing nonprofit organization with three staff. Our staff is supported by a dedicated and engaged Board of Directors, the majority of who are women of color and identify with the immigrant experience. PLAN has been providing free immigration legal services to low income, non-detained immigrants since 2018. We also understand that legal services, while important, do not change the laws and systems that oppress and exclude immigrant communities, nor do they shift access to justice from attorneys to the people. In recognition of these limitations, PLAN incorporates social movement and systems change strategies in its work to transfer power away from systems and lawyers and to immigrant communities. Currently, we partner with local immigrant-led organizations to provide free immigration legal services, build community power, and use storytelling to push back against anti-immigrant narratives. In the next 1-3 years, we also hope to expand to provide other free civil legal services to immigrants and engage in systems advocacy efforts. Learn more about us at www.planphx.org.

About this position

PLAN is looking for a strong housing advocate to lead our Housing Justice Pilot. The ideal candidate is anauthentic, inclusive, and inspirational leader committed to equity and justice and centering the experiences of the immigrant clients and communities we work with. This is a one-year funded position, and PLAN is committed to working proactively to secure ongoing funding and transition this into a permanent role.

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Qualifications

We welcome and encourage people of all experiences and backgrounds to apply, but because one of our values is centering immigrant voices, we will prioritize applicants who:

  • Identify as immigrants, including but not limited to, DACAmented immigrants, formerly undocumented immigrants, immigrants with only work authorization, U.S. citizens in mixed status families, immigrants with status, individuals impacted by the immigration deportation machine, and first-generation immigrants;

  • and/or are involved in the local immigrant community.

Required Qualifications

  • Passion for PLAN’s mission, vision, and values and interest in acting as PLAN’s ambassador in the community.
  • Reside in the Phoenix-metro area or willing to relocate there.
  • J.D. degree and license to practice law in Arizona.
  • At least 1 year experience of direct representation (includes law school clinical/intern experience) OR 1 year post-law school experience in related area (e.g. public defense, civil legal services, etc.)
  • Professional proficiency in English AND Spanish. 1
  • Strong legal research and writing skills.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, with ability to work in high-volume settings with limited resources. 
  • Proven understanding of office applications including Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and other similar applications.
  • Travel to court, community events, and other locations will be required; must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. 
  • Independent problem-solver with strong professional ethics.
  • Demonstrated commitment to immigrant justice and/or racial equity.
  • Good team player. PLAN is a small organization and staff wear multiple hats to meet the needs of our community.

Desired Qualifications

  • At least 1 year experience representing tenants (including law school clinical/intern experience)  
  • First-hand experience with the eviction process, the immigration system and/or involvement with immigrant-led or tenant-led organizations and/or movements locally (preferred) or nationally.
  • Experience with and/or interest in learning about movement lawyering and other areas of law to support our local immigrant community.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work with diverse populations. 

Application Process & Timeline

This is an immediate opening.  Applications will be accepted & reviewed on an ongoing basis.  To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to hiring@planphx.org. The cover letter should be no longer than one page and outline your commitment and passion to PLAN’s mission and highlight the specific skills and experiences you possess that directly relate to the job requirements.

 

What to Expect After Submitting Your Application?

  1. Screening Interview: We willcontact qualified applicants to schedule an initial screening interview.  
  2. Interview with Hiring Committee: We willinvite top applicants to an interview with the hiring committee.
  3. References & Writing Sample: To betterassess the quality and style of an applicant’s work, we will invite a finalshort list of applicants to submit references and a writing sample.  
  4. Final Decision: Finalists will benotified of PLAN’s decision promptly thereafter.

Non-Discrimination Statement & Policy

The Phoenix Legal Action Network is enriched by the many experiences and perspectives of its board members, staff, volunteers, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.  We are committed in policy, principle, and practice to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for people with diverse identities, providing an equal opportunity for all persons, and prohibiting discriminatory behavior.The Phoenix Legal Action Network prohibits discrimination in any of its activities or operations on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex or gender (including pregnancy, sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct), age, marital status, national or ethnic origin or ancestry, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression (including transgender or non-binary identity), genetic information, and any other characteristic protected under applicable local, state, or federal law.  These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of Board members, volunteers and partner organizations, and provision of services.  Retaliation for reporting any such acts of discrimination is also prohibited.

Questions

Please do not hesitate to contact PLAN’s Program & Development Coordinator, Giselle Valadez Godinez, at giselle@planphx.org.