Staff Attorney, Eviction Defense

Be part of a critical effort to prevent homelessness in San Francisco. The Justice & Diversity Center of The Bar Association of San Francisco (JDC) advances fairness and equality by providing free legal services to low-income people and educational programs that foster diversity in the legal profession. JDC currently has an exciting opportunity for an Eviction Defense Staff Attorney at its Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) in San Francisco’s Civic Center/Tenderloin area.

About HAP:

HAP is a program of the JDC, a non-profit provider of legal services to low-income and indigent San Francisco residents. HAP is working to prevent and end homelessness in San Francisco, and to reduce the negative effects of homelessness on the individuals and families with whom we work. At HAP, we have found that our work has the most positive impact when we focus on eviction prevention, benefits advocacy and immigration issues. Our clients are individuals and families who are homeless or who are at serious risk of homelessness. While each client comes with their own story of struggle, we give priority to clients who have mental health disabilities, as they often have the most difficulty navigating the legal system without representation. Our office utilizes a holistic approach to the problems our clients face by providing both legal representation and supporting social services.

About the Job:

The Eviction Defense Staff Attorney will provide full-scope legal representation to clients in unlawful detainer proceedings In San Francisco, independently managing a full caseload at all stages of litigation, from initial intake through trial, including drafting pleadings, preparing and responding to discovery, motion practice, settlement negotiation, and trial preparation, as well as development of skills working directly with clients. Training and supervision is provided, and the job provides excellent experience with all aspects of litigation practice.

Education & Experience:

• J.D. is required
• Litigation experience as an attorney preferred
• Experience representing tenants in unlawful detainer actions highly valued
• Experience serving low-income clients and/or clients who have mental health disabilities preferred

Skills & Preferred Qualifications and/or Requirements:

• Must be a member of the California State Bar in good standing
• Knowledge and experience representing tenants in unlawful detainers preferred, other litigation experience valued.
• Able to effectively interact with low-income clients and clients who have severe mental health disabilities.
• Able to work collaboratively with co-workers, fellow attorneys and court personnel.
• Able to work independently and make quick decisions while managing multiple projects in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Excellent oral, written, and client service skills
• Knowledge of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Experience with operating Zoom, or other remote appearance applications
• Bilingual (Spanish or Chinese) skills are highly desirable

Why Work For Us:

We offer a collaborative work environment, a progressive work culture, and a wonderfully diverse staff. Additionally, we are a mission and values based organization.

We also offer a benefits package that includes: a choice of medical insurance plans, dental insurance, vision insurance, pretax commuter, health, and dependent care accounts, employer paid short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and a retirement and profit-sharing benefit, and more.

Contingent on the ability to provide effective full scope representation to clients, HAP generally has a 35 hour/4-day work week. Currently, HAP also provides the possibility of a hybrid work model offering the opportunity to work remotely up to two days/week, depending on organizational needs.

To find out more about HAP and JDC, please visit our website at www.sfbar.org/jdc.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter.

Equal Opportunity Employer

JDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We conduct all employment-related activities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other classification protected by applicable Local, State or Federal employment discrimination laws. JDC welcomes diversity in the workplace.