The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County’s Housing team seeks an attorney to join us on the front lines of the housing affordability crisis. Housing team members work to defend tenants against eviction, enforce existing tenant protections through impact litigation, and advocate for effective and equitable housing policies in partnership with impacted communities. The Housing team includes attorneys, project coordinators, a project manager and a summer fellow who work collaboratively on all aspects of the program.

About Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County

The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County’s mission is to fight social injustice through civil legal advocacy for people living in poverty. The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County’s vision is for every person to have the basic necessities of life, including safe affordable housing, access to health care, economic security, secure immigration status, an appropriate education and freedom from violence and abuse.

Qualifications

Required:
- California State Bar membership or qualified for Registered Legal Services Attorney Program;
- Ability to be in office and make in-person appearances as needed.
Preferred:
- Outstanding legal research, writing and analysis, and public speaking skills;
- Demonstrated commitment to working on behalf of low-income populations;
- Demonstrated commitment to working with tenants to advance housing rights;
- Experience working with low-income persons and persons with disabilities;
- Direct service experience with individuals.

Responsibilities

Litigation: Represent clients with a full and active eviction defense caseload. The attorney will be responsible for evaluating unlawful detainer cases for full legal representation, assessing defenses, developing a case strategy, developing evidence, preparing pleadings, discovery and motions, and making court appearances, including hearings and trials.
Advocacy: Advocate for the rights of tenants whose housing is threatened by issues related to eviction notices, discrimination, reasonable accommodations, retaliation, habitability, harassment, subsidized housing/Section 8, and rent increases.
Consultation: Consult with clients weekly in person or by telephone, advising on evictions and other legal issues that challenge the housing stability of low-income tenants. With training and supervision from the Directing Attorney, supervise volunteers conducting client intake interviews and preparing pro per responses to unlawful detainer complaints.
Community engagement and policy advocacy: Participate in community outreach events and regional task force meetings; conduct tenant education workshops and organizing meetings; work collaboratively with community groups to advance local and state policy that benefits low-income tenants.

COmpensation and Benefits

Salary: $81,000-$120,000/year DOE. Full-time exempt position.
Benefits: Excellent benefits including up to $3,600/year law school loan repayment assistance. $2,500 stipend for proficiency in Spanish or another language spoken by our client community.