Homeownership Asset Preservation Program: Legal Resident

The Commons Law Center seeks a new law school graduate for a temporary position to support and expand our Homeownership Asset Preservation Program as a tool to dismantle system oppression. The Program is a partnership with the African American Alliance for Homeownership, funded by the City of Portland Housing Bureau, as part of their N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy; an initiative to address the legacy of displacement and its impacts on the historic African American community.

The Legal Resident will spend most of their time doing outreach and community education to expand awareness of the program, working closely with our partner organization to do so.

Education and outreach projects will include: creating and promoting workshops, webinars, and other educational formats that can be delivered safely during a pandemic; drafting explainer video scripts, slide decks, self-navigation guides, and blog posts; corresponding with and having phone conferences with people who might help the program reach more intended beneficiaries. Most program services are delivered remotely during the pandemic.

The Legal Resident may also spend time supporting direct client legal work as the program grows, including: serving as a witness for estate plan signing meetings, making follow up phone calls to clients to request information or action, corresponding with clients regarding the status of their matter, legal research, and drafting estate planning or probate documents.

The program is growing quickly and The Commons anticipates hiring a second Attorney Fellow to support the legal work needs of the program by June 2021, which the Legal Resident would be encouraged to apply for, if applicable.