Fair Housing Legal Fellow (2 years)

Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia (HOME of VA) is a statewide fair housing nonprofit focused on combating discrimination in the real estate market. The Fair Housing Legal Fellow will support legal initiatives and litigation aimed at dismantling barriers to equitable housing and enforcing fair housing rights for clients.

Responsibilities

• Represent plaintiffs including both HOME as an institution and other clients in legal cases that advance fair housing rights and housing equity
• Maintain legal case files, meet deadlines, and advance legal cases with the highest levels of professionalism and legal ethics in relationships with clients and outside parties
• Work with policy, research, enforcement and investigation, communications, and housing counseling departments at HOME to identify housing justice issues ripe for systemic change via a multi-pronged advocacy approach
• Develop and implement strategic advocacy campaigns advancing housing equity. The development of advocacy campaigns will incorporate the priorities and perspectives of impacted communities and constituents
• Foster strong working relationships with partner organizations, stakeholders, community leaders, law firms, and other public interest groups seeking to advance housing justice
• Participate in funding development activities as requested, including assisting with grant writing or meeting with funders
• Respond to opportunities to advance HOME’s mission and perform other duties as assigned and prioritized by HOME’s leadership

Skills

• J.D. or equivalent degree, with admission to the Virginia State Bar, eligibility to waive in, or willingness to sit for the next Virginia bar exam
• Graduating from law school this year or within the past three years
• Demonstrated commitment to civil rights, social justice, and racial equity
• Strong understanding of housing law and litigation
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build authentic relationships with a wide range of people
• Collaborative working style with a strong service mindset
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Excellent communication, writing, and editing skills, with the ability to prepare clear, persuasive, and well-organized materials
• Strong presentation skills, including the ability to lead trainings, explain complex issues clearly, and engage stakeholders and partners
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and varying abilities, both independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule that may include occasional evenings, weekends, and travel across Virginia
• Sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy
• Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality
• Commitment to treating colleagues, partners, clients, and stakeholders with respect

Benefits

• Relocation assistance for a successful candidate who must move to accept the role
• Employer-paid health and dental insurance
• A flexible work schedule
• Employer contributions to a 403(b) retirement plan
• Generous holiday and leave policies
• Hybrid work environment, including one day per week in the office and attendance at the monthly all-staff meeting

Company Overview