Bay Area Legal Aid is the largest legal services provider in the San Francisco Bay Area. We serve clients in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties. We represent clients who have legal problems related to housing, family law, domestic violence, access to healthcare, and public benefits. Our staff attorneys represent clients in state and federal court and in administrative hearings. We provide legal counsel, advice, and other civil legal assistance to eligible low-income clients and client groups.

What position is available? Bay Area Legal Aid seeks a Staff Attorney who will focus on FORECLOSURE MITIGATION. This position is located in our Contra Costa Regional Office in the City of Richmond, with mobile advocacy sites in Pittsburg, Antioch and Concord. This office currently has nine attorneys, one paralegal advocate and two support staff. The attorney position involves client representation, community education and impact advocacy in the areas of predatory and unfair lending practices and foreclosure intervention. Duties will include review and analysis of loan documents; advising homeowners in foreclosure or at risk of foreclosure about the foreclosure process and their options; negotiating with lenders to obtain loan work-outs and modifications; representing tenants in foreclosure related eviction actions; and representing homeowners in affirmative suits against predatory lenders. The position also requires community outreach presentations and coalition work with community organizations.

Who should apply? Membership in good standing of any state bar including the California State Bar; excellent communication skills; strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to work independently; ability to work with low-income clients; a driver's license and access to a car; and bilingual ability in Spanish is preferred. Previous experience with mortgage lending practices and real estate law is highly desirable. We encourage applicants who will contribute to our diversity.

What are our compensation and benefits? Compensation is based upon experience. Bay Area Legal Aid provides a generous benefits package that includes: medical and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts for transportation, unreimbursed medical and dependent care expenses; law school loan repayment assistance; bilingual stipend; 401(k) retirement account, vacation, and paid sick leave.

How to apply: Please send a cover letter, resume to: Hiring Committee, Bay Area Legal Aid, 405 14th St., Suite 900, Oakland, California 94612; Fax (510) 663-4711; applicantresume@baylegal.org. Bay Area Legal Aid is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants who will contribute to our diversity. For more information about our organization, visit www.baylegal.org. Please remember to reference the "Contra Costa" attorney position in your correspondence.