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