STAFF ATTORNEY - Housing Law

The Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ) seeks a skilled Staff Attorney for the Housing Law Campaign (Staff Attorney). The ideal candidate will be based in MCJ’s Gulfport office, where the Housing Law Campaign main office is primarily based; however, we will also consider candidates who can work from our Jackson or Indianola offices. The Staff Attorney will perform various duties in support of the Director of Housing Law (HLCD) and the Housing Law Campaign.

MCJ is a nonprofit, public interest law firm committed to advancing racial and economic justice statewide. Our lawyers work with community leaders to support their social justice campaigns and to channel the energies of the legal community to combat discrimination and poverty. With offices in Jackson, Gulfport, and Indianola, we seek systemic solutions that protect the rights of consumers, secure access to healthcare and education, defend voting rights for all, and make fair and affordable housing available for all Mississippians.

Position Summary 

As a full-time employee, the Staff Attorney will advance the mission of MCJ by providing high-quality legal representation, advancing policy advocacy, supporting strategic advocacy, and advancing community-driven campaigns aligned with MCJ’s racial and economic justice goals. The Staff Attorney will manage a litigation and advocacy caseload, contribute to cross-issue collaboration, incorporate community voices into legal strategy, and support external partnerships. The ideal candidate is a legal professional with a demonstrated commitment to equity, community empowerment, and systems change.

Job Responsibilities 

This Staff Attorney’s job responsibilities may include the following, as assigned by the HLCD: 

• Manage assigned cases and advocacy matters, including maintaining case files, meeting deadlines, and ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
• Engage in litigation, policy advocacy, and/or administrative proceedings on behalf of clients in the Housing Law Campaign.
• Represent tenants in eviction matters, including negotiation, motion practice, trial preparation, and appeals. • Advise clients on legal rights, risks, and strategy. 
• Investigate claims of housing discrimination, prepare and file administrative complaints and represent clients throughout the administrative process.
• Collaborate with Housing Law Campaign team members and cross-campaign colleagues to advance shared advocacy goals and complete assigned tasks.
• Participate in housing-related coalitions and boards and attend campaign, organizational, and partner meetings.
• Support legal strategies developed in partnership with impacted communities, community leaders, and allied organizations.
• Contribute to grant reporting and maintain data for use in grant proposals, grant reports, and organizational records.
• Support community education and outreach by identifying community partners, helping plan outreach efforts, and conducting know-your-rights trainings and other legal education in community settings. 
• Monitor relevant legislative, regulatory, or judicial developments and provide legal analysis to inform litigation, advocacy, and policy strategies.
• Collaborate with MCJ’s Communications Department to highlight client stories, litigation developments, and advocacy successes that advance MCJ’s mission.
• Travel, as needed, for court appearances, speaking engagements, trainings, outreach events, and other work-related meetings.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Mississippi or admitted to the bar in another state with the ability to attain Mississippi licensure within six months of the hire date.
• Minimum of one (1) year of practical litigation, clerkship, legal services, or other relevant experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated oral advocacy, legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to produce clear, well-organized work product.
• Experience managing client files, case data, and related records with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Interest in housing justice court systems, procedural fairness, and policy and systemic reform.
• Experience working with and in support of low-income communities and communities of color in a respectful and collaborative manner, preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Self-directed and dependable, with excellent organizational, time management, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative spirit and willingness to support team goals and cross-campaign work.
• Technological competency with Adobe, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis).
• Ability to travel statewide as needed, with a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and appropriate automobile insurance.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the Mississippi Center for Justice and to advancing racial and economic justice. 

Salary/Benefits 

Salary is competitive and dependent on experience. The Mississippi Center for Justice offers a generous benefits package, including: medical, dental, life, and vision insurance, short-term disability, paid time off, participation in a retirement savings program, paid family and medical leave, and other benefits.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and detailed resume highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications. These materials will be reviewed to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications prior to extending interview invitations. Documents should be emailed with the subject line “Candidate for Housing Law Staff Attorney Sp. 2026” to the attention of Ashley Richardson, Director of the Housing Law Campaign, at mcjcareers@mscenterforjustice.org.