Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County: Housing Attorney
The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County is looking for a dedicated Housing Attorney to join its Housing Team, which actively works to combat the housing crisis by defending tenants against eviction, advocating for tenant protections, and promoting equitable housing policies in collaboration with affected communities. The ideal candidate will be organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while demonstrating strong client relationship skills and a commitment to social justice. Legal Aid SMC values diversity and inclusivity and seeks individuals who align with these principles to foster a welcoming community and workplace.
About Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County:
In 1959, a dedicated group of lawyers and community leaders recognized an unmet need to help the less fortunate in San Mateo County. Thanks to these founders, in a small one-room office, the Legal Aid Society was born. One of the earliest cases involved a Spanish-speaking maid who was not allowed to retrieve her belongings when she resigned. Legal Aid successfully advocated on her behalf and the client was able to recover her possessions.
Since then, the Legal Aid Society has grown to become one of California’s most respected public interest law firms. A vital voice for San Mateo County’s undeserved populations, the organization has received awards for excellence in the delivery of legal services. Continuing to provide quality civil legal services to San Mateo County’s low-income residents. Our advocacy has evolved with the times; we fought for civil rights in the 1960s and fair wages for farmworkers in the 1980s.
Responsibilities
Litigation: Represent clients with a full and active eviction defense caseload. Responsibilities include evaluating unlawful detainer cases for full representation, assessing defenses, developing a case strategy, developing evidence, preparing pleadings, discovery and motions, engaging in settlement negotiations, and appearing in court for motion hearings and trials.
Advocacy: Advocate for the rights of tenants facing housing instability 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 housing-related legal issues affecting 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
Qualifications
Required:
California State Bar membership or qualified for Registered Legal Services Attorney Program;
Regular in-person presence in our Redwood City office, at court, legal clinics, and site visits throughout San Mateo County for the majority of working time.
Preferred:
Strong legal research, writing, and analysis, and public speaking skills;
Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income populations and advancing housing justice;
Experience working with low-income individuals and persons with disabilities;
Direct client service experience.
Compensation
Salary: $86,000-$107,000/year DOE. If more experienced and qualified, Senior Staff Attorney salary range: $107,000-$135,000. 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
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. All employees are expected to reside within commuting distance of the Legal Aid SMC office in Redwood City. Housing attorneys are required to be in the office, in court or in the community supervising in-person legal clinics a minimum of 3 days each week. Attorneys also make in-person client site visits and attend outreach events as needed.
To Apply
Send your resume and cover letter to jobs@legalaidsmc.org.