Careers

The Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom (HCJF) is a nonprofit legal organization that enforces housing and workplace rights for low-wage workers. It is our mission to create opportunities for tenants and workers to learn and exercise their rights, realize their collective power, and develop the leadership skills necessary to advocate for a racially and economically just society.

HCJF carries out this mission through five major programs: the Right to Counsel (RTC) Program, which handles roughly 600 eviction cases each year; the Safe Homes for All Program; the Stable Homes Program; the Worker Power Project; and the Heartland Leadership and Action Committees.

HCJF is seeking post-graduate legal fellows to join our team through project-based funding applications. These fellowships are ideal for candidates interested in public interest law, movement lawyering, and building advocacy and impact litigation that advances economic and housing justice. Ideally, fellows will work in at least one of the legal programs below.

Programs

• Worker Power Program — building advocacy and impact litigation on behalf of low-wage workers, including wage theft and unlawful termination cases, supporting worker organizing, and conducting know-your-rights education.
• Safe Homes Program — impact litigation, class actions, and demand letters to ensure families across Missouri have access to safe and healthy homes.
• Stable Homes Program — preserving stable, affordable housing and preventing displacement in collaboration with partner organizations.
• Eviction Defense Program — direct representation of individuals and families facing eviction.

Qualifications

• J.D. or expected J.D. by spring 2027.
• Must take the July 2027 Bar exam and seek admission to the Missouri Bar; or, if already admitted elsewhere, be eligible for Missouri admission under SCR 2.110 or 2.111.
• Exceptional research, writing, and oral communication skills, with the ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding.
• Ability to work well under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to occasionally work outside regular business hours and to travel within Missouri.
• A deep commitment to social justice, housing rights, and/or workers' rights, with cultural humility and community-centered adaptability.
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required.

Compensation

This position is not funded by HCJF. Instead, it seeks a candidate interested in pursuing funding from an external source such as Skadden, Equal Justice Works, Justice Catalyst, or law schools. HCJF will work with candidates to craft the application and explain a proposed project.

To apply

• Email a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three professional references to patriciaokonta@jobsandfreedom.org.
• Put “Legal Fellow” in the subject line of your email.
• List all fellowships you are eligible to apply to, including law-school-specific fellowships.
• In your cover letter, note where you saw this posting, your HCJF program interest(s), and any potential fellowship project ideas.

HCJF is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination.

Posted May 12, 2026. Priority deadline: open until filled.

The Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom (HCJF) is a nonprofit legal organization that enforces housing and workplace rights. We are seeking a tenant advocate to support our eviction defense team following its recent growth. Our seven eviction defense attorneys handle cases through Kansas City's Right to Counsel program, with the support of a dedicated paralegal, preventing homelessness and keeping families housed by stopping the vast majority of evictions faced by our clients.

The tenant advocate will collaborate with attorneys to assess tenant-clients' strengths and challenges and help them navigate barriers to resolving their eviction cases — including finding alternative housing, securing rental assistance, and connecting to other social services. The advocate will also act as a communications liaison between attorneys and tenant-clients. This role involves significant interaction with tenants facing eviction, including some home visits and meetings in the community. The ability to speak Spanish is a major plus.

Preferred qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in legal or social work fields and/or higher education (bachelor's degree or higher).
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Comfort working with and supporting people in crisis, including people who may be struggling with mental health issues.
• Appreciation for client-centered work across diverse populations with varying life experiences.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with attorneys to assess tenant-clients' housing needs and goals.
• Help attorneys communicate with tenant-clients by phone, text, email, and in-person meetings.
• Help tenant-clients secure rental assistance, locate alternative housing, and connect to other social services and resources.
• Conduct courthouse outreach to unrepresented tenants facing eviction.
• Occasionally fill in for the paralegal to assist attorneys with case tasks and preparation.
• If fluent in Spanish, provide interpretation and translation support to non-Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff.

Benefits & pay

We offer health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Staff start with 15 days of vacation, 10 sick days, 2 personal days, and 13 paid holidays annually, plus retirement accounts with an employer match. Pay is $55,000+, depending on experience. This is a full-time, in-person role at our office in Kansas City (Westport area).

To apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter to andrewzonoozi@jobsandfreedom.org.

Heartland Center is an at-will, equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.