• RISING FOR JUSTICE(“RFJ”) invites applications for a full-time supervising attorney position in our Housing Advocacy and Litigation Clinic (“HALC”), a clinical education program for second- and third-year law students that is embedded in our Tenant Justice Program (“TJP”).  The supervising attorney works as part of a high-performing interdisciplinary team to educate law students from Georgetown University Law Center, George Washington University Law School, American University Washington College of Law, and the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law who are enrolled in our clinical program.  We seek a dynamic and experienced educator and litigator with a passion for clinical teaching and tenant advocacy.

  About Rising for Justice

  Established in 1969, RFJ (formerly DC Law Students in Court) is the oldest clinical teaching program in the District of Columbia.  RFJ is both a public interest law firm and a clinical education program that draws students from area law schools in Washington, D.C.  Since our founding, RFJ has trained law students to provide free, high-quality legal services to the District’s indigent and low-income community.  A fundamental part of our mission is to provide law students with an exceptional clinical education that meets the highest standards of instruction and practice.

  RFJ embraces equal justice and diversity as core values.  We strive to maintain a workplace that is vibrant, welcoming, innovative, and collaborative.  We are committed to fostering the thoughtful exchange of ideas and to ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.  We seek a faculty supervisor who embraces our mission and values.  Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination includes race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, personal appearance, genetic information, political affiliation, marital status, family responsibilities, disability, status as a veteran, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law or regulation.

  The Tenant Justice Program

  TJP seeks to prevent the displacement of low-income tenants in the District of Columbia and preserve tenants’ rights.  TJP attorneys and students represent tenants in eviction cases and housing conditions cases in D.C. Superior Court, administrative proceedings in the Office of Administrative Hearings related to rent stabilization, and in other matters related to enforcing tenants’ rights.

  The Housing Advocacy and Litigation Clinic

  Supervising attorneys in HALC are responsible for classroom instruction and training students in both fundamental and more advanced lawyering skills.  HALC supervisors guide students through all aspects of client representation, including interviews and counseling, investigation, negotiations, motions practice, evidentiary hearings, and trials. Supervising attorneys design and lead classes, conduct case rounds, and participate in the development and delivery of other parts of the curriculum.  Through seminars, simulations and moot exercises, guided reflection, individual and group instruction, and case work, supervisors help students derive lessons from their experiences and learn how to effectively represent clients.  In some instances, supervising attorneys also have responsibility for supervising casework performed by TJP’s staff attorneys.

  Position Responsibilities

  Responsibilities include:

• 1)    Curriculum development and delivery, including planning and teaching classes in lawyering and advocacy skills, substantive housing law, civil procedure, ethics and professionalism, and systemic advocacy;

• 2)    Supervising second- and third-year law students in representation of clients in housing matters that range from long-term extended representation to same-day legal services;

• 3)    Overseeing the student evaluation process;

• 4)    Supervising staff attorneys in housing matters;

• 5)    Planning and participating in community presentations, know-your-rights trainings, and other community outreach events;

• 6)    Providing direct client representation as necessary and between semesters;

• 7)    Serving as a liaison to area law schools in collaboration with RFJ management;

• 8)    Participating in student recruitment activities; and

• 9)    Participating in organizational fundraising and development opportunities.

Qualifications

The faculty supervisor must be a member of the D.C. Bar (preferred) or eligible to waive into the D.C. Bar.  The supervisor must have prior litigation experience, excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, a strong work ethic, a client-centered approach to advocacy, and a passion to teach and mentor law students.  

Preferred qualifications include clinical education experience or other teaching and supervisory experience, Spanish language skills, and experience advocating for low-income persons.  RFJ alumni are encouraged to apply.

Hours, Salary and Benefits:  This is a full-time position based on a 40-hour work week.  Salary is commensurate with experience based on a salary scale for supervising attorneys.  We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous sick, annual and personal leave; life and disability insurance, and paid federal and local holidays.

To Apply:  Each candidate should submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and three professional references by email to Julia Cade, Interim Director of Operations, at hiring@risingforjustice.org.  Please indicate “HALC Faculty Supervisor, [your full name]” in the subject line of the email.

Application Deadline:  Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.