Housing Attorney

Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (Legal Aid SMC) aims to ensure that the social safety net works for everyone. Our lawyers provide free civil legal services to low-income San Mateo County residents, helping clients navigate complex legal systems including immigration, public benefits, and other safety net services. We also work to empower clients to advocate for themselves, and to fix broken systems through policy change.

The Legal Aid SMC Housing Team seeks a motivated and organized attorney to join us on the front lines of the housing crisis. Our team works collaboratively to defend tenants against eviction, enforce tenant protections through advocacy and impact litigation, and advance effective and equitable housing policies in partnership with impacted communities.

The team includes attorneys, project coordinators, and a project manager who work closely together on all aspects of the program. We are looking for a candidate who is dedicated to serving a diverse, low-income client population; can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced litigation environment, demonstrates strong client relationship skills, thrives in a collaborative setting, and is committed to social justice.

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.

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, engaging in settlement negotiations, and making court appearances, including motion hearings and trials.
• Advocacy: Advocate for the rights of tenants whose housing is threatened by issues related to illegal 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.

Required:

• California State Bar membership or qualified for Registered Legal Services Attorney Program;
• In-person presence in our Redwood City office and at court, at legal clinics, and site visits throughout San Mateo County a majority of working time.

Preferred:

• Strong legal research, writing and analysis, and public speaking skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to serving of low-income populations and advancing housing rights;
• Experience working with low-income individuals and persons with disabilities;
• Direct client service experience.

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.

Legal Aid SMC pays 100% of premium for employee-only health coverage, and up to 95% for employee + dependent coverage depending on plan selected. Legal Aid SMC pays 100% of premium for dental and vision insurance for employees and dependents. Full-time employees receive 16 days of vacation in the first year, plus 13 days of sick leave and 12 paid holidays. Employees become eligible for 3% employer contribution to 401(k) plan after the first year of full-time employment. 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.

$2,500 stipend for proficiency in Spanish or another language spoken by our client community.