Staff Attorney -Neighborhood Legal Support of Kansas City, Inc. (NLS)

Staff Attorney -Neighborhood Legal Support of Kansas City, Inc. (NLS)
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $72,500.00 + D.O.E.
About NLS
Neighborhood Legal Support of Kansas City (“NLS”) is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to empowering neighborhoods, reducing blight, and promoting affordable housing in Kansas City’s urban core. For seven years, NLS has partnered with neighborhood associations, community development organizations, and city agencies to stabilize communities through legal innovation and neighborhood-driven solutions.
NLS is proud to partner with the City of Kansas City’s Neighborhood Services Department on a new Dangerous Buildings Preservation Program—an initiative focused on saving and restoring homes that are currently listed as dangerous but remain repairable. Instead of demolition, the program aims to transform these properties into affordable housing opportunities while preserving Kansas City’s existing housing stock.
This initiative represents a shift from demolition to preservation, promoting stability, affordability, and revitalization across the city’s neighborhoods.
Position Overview
NLS is seeking a passionate and mission-driven Staff Attorney to help lead the legal strategy for this groundbreaking program. The ideal candidate will be committed to using their legal skills to preserve housing, fight blight, and advance community revitalization.
This position will focus on identifying, clearing title to, and securing legal pathways for the restoration of homes slated for demolition but capable of being saved. The attorney will collaborate closely with city departments, contractors, and community stakeholders to ensure these properties are transitioned into long-term, affordable housing opportunities.
This role includes significant interaction with neighborhood groups, city officials, and partner organizations. Local travel within Kansas City, as well as occasional evening and weekend commitments, is expected.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead legal efforts related to the Dangerous Buildings Preservation Program, including title clearance, ownership resolution, and litigation support.
• Litigate property-related civil cases—including Abandoned Housing Act, nuisance abatement, and quiet title actions—from inception through resolution.
• Collaborate with the City of Kansas City’s Neighborhood Services Department to identify viable properties and ensure compliance with applicable ordinances and housing codes.
• Work with neighborhood organizations and community partners to develop and implement preservation-based housing strategies.
• Assist NLS leadership in developing legal frameworks and best practices for program expansion to other neighborhoods.
• Maintain a full and diverse caseload while contributing to a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team.
• Attend community meetings and forums to represent NLS and provide legal insight into housing preservation efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in Missouri (or eligible for reciprocal admission).
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to housing justice, neighborhood revitalization, or public interest law.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Pragmatic, creative, and community-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and legal research platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Abandoned Housing Act, nuisance, or quiet title litigation.
• Familiarity with Kansas City housing policy, property law, or neighborhood services.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience collaborating with neighborhood or community-based organizations.
• Understanding of nonprofit operations, affordable housing development, or community land trusts.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Paid CLE and Bar Dues
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Holidays)
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience to:
Brandon Mason, General Counsel
Brandon@nls4kc.org