Managing Attorney, Eviction Defense Program

Position Summary

Reporting to the Co-Director of the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation’s (AVLF) Safe and Stable Homes Program, the Managing Attorney, Eviction Defense Program, will manage AVLF’s nationally-recognized tenants’ rights programs and teams including the eviction defense work. The Eviction Defense Program includes AVLF’s general eviction defense work and our in-depth “Access to Counsel” work with the City of Atlanta. The Managing Attorney will also work closely with the Co-Director of Safe and Stable Homes to further develop AVLF’s approach to strategic, impact litigation and advocacy. These programs provide critically important services to Atlanta residents facing eviction and displacement. Success in this role will require leading a diverse team of professionals to fully engage people seeking help, volunteers, co-workers, partners, policy makers, and other stakeholders.

AVLF is a fast-paced environment, fueled by people who are personally and professionally motivated to help people in crisis. We prioritize diversity, demand integrity, and value transparency and creativity. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced leader to contribute directly to improving people’s lives and, in the process, creating a better community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervising and managing the work of at least 4 employees, including quality control, teaching, receiving feedback, delegating, and providing support.
• Monitoring the ongoing performance and impact of AVLF’s eviction defense programming and implement improvements to ensure AVLF is meeting the needs of the community.
• Serving as the liaison between AVLF and the City of Atlanta for all work related to the City’s Access to Counsel effort.
• Building relationships with law firms, volunteers, and partners, and being visible in the community by serving as a member of organizations or coalitions relevant to the work of the team.
• Managing official partnerships with AVLF’s eviction defense-related work (e.g. MOUs, joint events, etc.) and engaging in high-level communication with relevant community partners.
• Coordinate eviction defense teams’ involvement in grant applications, reporting, and compliance.
• Helping ensure eviction defense teams stay up-to-date on legal and professional aspects related to work, including attending seminars, trainings, and general professional development.
• Assisting with the execution of AVLF's strategic plan and the strategic impact of SSH programming.

Education and Experience

JD degree from an accredited university and an active member of the State Bar of Georgia in good standing; five (5) to seven (7) years combined experience in landlord-tenant law litigation and supervision/management, preferably in the nonprofit sector.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Experience working with and advocating for tenants in disputes with their landlords generally and in eviction cases specifically.
• Experience working with clients of diverse racial, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Experience supervising attorneys, law students, and other staff.
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to communicate clearly with a wide range of people to understand, convey, and support the clients’ and volunteers’ needs.
• Must be respectful and responsive to cultural beliefs and practices within a client’s community.
• Strong collaborative skills.
• Ability to derive creative solutions.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to executing with excellence.
• Must be organized and able to prioritize clients' needs effectively.
• Demonstrated excellence in legal research and writing.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite. Experience using Salesforce is a plus.