SUMMARY

Bet Tzedek’s Employment Rights Project represents low-income workers in wage theft litigation in the California state and federal courts, and in administrative proceedings before the Labor Commissioner. The ERP also engages in community education, legislative and policy advocacy, and impact litigation. Clients are primarily monolingual Spanish-speakers, many of whom are undocumented, in Los Angeles’ underground economy. Project staff work in close collaboration with pro bono attorneys, law clerks, and a broad array of community-based organizations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Represent individuals and client groups before the Labor Commissioner and in state and federal courts in cases involving wage theft and/or labor trafficking;
Develop, conduct and/or co-counsel strategic impact litigation to secure compliance with California and federal minimum wage and overtime laws;
Work with community organizers and other community partners to provide legal support to workplace organizing efforts in low-income workplaces with minimum wage or overtime violations;
In collaboration with community partners, conduct legislative advocacy on important state, county and city workplace issues impacting our clients, and conduct administrative advocacy in the pertinent state and federal agencies;
Supervise a weekly Wednesday evening intake clinic;
Work closely with Bet Tzedek’s Pro Bono Director to place matters with pro bono attorneys, and train and mentor pro bono attorneys and law students handling wage claim cases and other project work;
Conduct outreach including: volunteer recruitment at local law schools, know-your-rights trainings in low-income and immigrant communities, and program outreach to the legal community, community-based organizations and elected officials.

QUALIFICATIONS

Active member of the California State Bar in good standing, or licensed in another state and eligible to practice under Rule 9.45 of the California Rules of Court (Registered Legal Services Attorneys) (required);
Fully bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish. Must take and pass Spanish translation test (required);
Demonstrated patience, compassion, respect and commitment to serving low-income and immigrant workers (required);
Ability to train and work with volunteer attorneys and students (required);
Minimum 3 years civil litigation experience (highly desired);
Demonstrated experience in wage and hour and/or other employment matters affecting low-income workers or class action litigation (highly desired).

PERSONAL SKILLS:In addition to the above qualifications and skills, an individual must:

Demonstrate an understanding and have personal expression of, and a commitment to, Bet Tzedek’s Core Values, which are:
Leadership – Seeks to lead through excellence in work product, and in relationships with colleagues and others; strives for open communication with all and seeks to show leadership through collaboration;
Community – Deep understanding that integrity and respect are the only ways to truly reach people; continually explores ways to unite colleagues in the pursuit of social justice;
Innovation – Demonstrates courage in action by being honest and open no matter what the topic; shows creativity of thought and is curious about new and challenging ways to further our mission

CLASSIFICATION: Attorney I, II, or III (Union Position)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 8/21/2015; 5:00pm

Bet Tzedek Legal Services hires staff without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or disability.

How To Apply

Email letter of interest, resume, salary history and employment application to resume@bettzedek.org. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.