Temporary Housing Attorney

The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County’s Housing team seeks an attorney to join us on a contract basis for approximately three months beginning February 2, 2026. This temporary attorney will work on the Housing team to defend tenants against eviction, enforce existing tenant protections, and advocate for just and legal outcomes for tenants. The Housing team includes attorneys, project coordinators, and a project manager who work collaboratively on all aspects of the program.

Legal Aid SMC seeks candidates who share our aspirations for a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community and workplace. We are committed to affirming differences in race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.

We believe our entire community is stronger when everyone has a home, economic security, and essential public services. Legal Aid SMC uses the law to make the social safety net work for everyone. Our work makes San Mateo County a more just and equitable place to live and work.

Responsibilities:

• Litigation: Assist on a pro per basis and represent tenants in eviction defense cases. The attorney will be responsible for evaluating unlawful detainer cases for defenses, drafting and filing responsive documents and advising tenants facing eviction on their options. In some cases, the attorney may develop a case strategy, develop evidence, prepare additional pleadings, discovery and motions, engage in settlement negotiations, and make court appearances.
• 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 in person or by telephone, advising on evictions and other legal issues that challenge the housing stability of low-income tenants.

Qualifications: We are looking for a motivated and organized attorney who can work with a diverse, low-income client population. The right candidate is someone who can prioritize multiple demands and execute tasks efficiently in a fast-paced litigation environment, demonstrates excellent client relations, works well on a collaborative team.

Required:

• California State Bar membership or qualified for Registered Legal Services Attorney Program;
• Competent legal research, writing and analysis skills;
• Ability to work with low-income persons and persons with disabilities;

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $1606-$2114/week for full-time work, paid biweekly - DOE.

Benefits: None – temporary position

Workplace Expectations: Legal Aid SMC is a hybrid workplace. Work schedules and locations are determined by client needs, organizational needs, workload demands, and personal preferences. Housing attorneys are required to be in the office or at external locations as needed for the work, including potential in-person court appearances and client site visits.

To Apply: Send your resume and cover letter to jobs@legalaidsmc.org.

Legal Aid SMC is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. People of color, persons with disabilities, immigrants, older adults, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.