Position Summary

The Nigerian Center seeks a passionate and experienced Family and Housing Attorney to provide high-quality, culturally responsive legal representation to low-income immigrant individuals and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

The attorney will handle a diverse caseload involving family law and housing matters, with particular attention to the unique legal challenges facing immigrant and minority communities. The position combines direct legal representation, community education, and advocacy to protect family stability and prevent housing displacement.

Key Responsibilities

Family Law Representation

  • Provide legal advice and representation in divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, and related family law matters.

  • Represent clients in family court proceedings, negotiations, mediation, and settlement conferences.

  • Assist survivors of domestic violence with protective orders and related family safety matters.

  • Address family law issues that intersect with immigration status and family reunification.

Housing Law Representation

  • Represent tenants facing eviction, unlawful displacement, unsafe housing conditions, and landlord-tenant disputes.

  • Provide legal counsel on tenant rights, lease agreements, housing discrimination, and rental assistance.

  • Negotiate with landlords and represent clients in housing court and administrative proceedings.

  • Support housing stability through legal intervention, community partnerships, and tenant education.

Community Legal Services and Advocacy

  • Conduct client consultations, legal screenings, and case assessments.

  • Participate in community legal clinics and know-your-rights workshops.

  • Collaborate with the Center's immigration legal team on cases involving overlapping immigration, family, and housing concerns.

  • Develop relationships with legal aid organizations, community partners, and government agencies.

  • Identify systemic barriers affecting immigrant families and contribute to policy advocacy and legal reform initiatives.

  • Maintain accurate case records, meet court deadlines, and comply with professional and ethical standards.

Qualifications

Required

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

  • Active membership in good standing with the District of Columbia Bar or another relevant jurisdiction, with eligibility to practice in the courts where representation is provided.

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in family law, housing law, civil legal aid, or related litigation.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage cases independently and represent clients in court.

  • Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and advocacy skills.

  • Commitment to serving low-income, immigrant, and historically underserved communities.

Preferred

  • Experience representing clients in both family and housing law matters.

  • Familiarity with DC and Maryland family and landlord-tenant laws.

  • Experience working in nonprofit legal services or public interest law.

  • Understanding of the intersection between immigration status, housing insecurity, and family stability.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

  • Resume

  • Cover letter

Submit applications to: info@nigeriancenter.org
Subject line: Family and Housing Attorney

Family and Housing Attorney