Senior Litigation Attorney

EVICTION DEFENSE COLLABORATIVE•San Francisco, CA

31d•$88,188 - $98,688•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Litigation Attorney plays an important role in advancing EDC’s mission by providing high-quality, trauma-informed legal services to tenants facing eviction and by serving as a leader and mentor within the litigation team. The Senior Litigation Attorney will handle complex cases and provide full-scope legal representation, while also supporting the professional growth of more junior attorneys, fellows, interns, and other staff. Working under the direction of the Supervising Litigation Attorney, this role helps foster an equitable, collaborative team culture and contributes to ensuring that EDC’s legal work is effective, client-centered, and aligned with organizational values. This position is ideal for a skilled litigator who is passionate about housing justice, thrives in fast-paced environments, and brings a supportive, team-oriented approach to both client advocacy and staff development.

Requirements

Active membership in good standing with the California Bar.
Minimum of four (4) years of litigation experience (preferably in landlord-tenant, housing law, in the context of unlawful detainer).
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local landlord-tenant law
Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and mentoring within a legal team (formal supervision not required).
Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
Strong organizational skills and sound judgment.
Experience working directly with a diverse population of clients, including clients in crisis and from a variety of backgrounds.
an understanding of the systemic barriers they may face.
Ability to exercise discretion and handle sensitive information appropriately.
High level of professional integrity, accountability, and reliability.
Excellent client-centered approach to service; demonstrated ability to work with clients who may be in distress or crisis.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.
Strong mentoring, leadership, and team-building skills.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Strong time management and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with a high volume of activity.
Possess ability to make sound, quick decisions and exercise good judgment.
Strong listening skills and ability to convey complex information clearly.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other office software; Salesforce or other legal/case management database experience.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of subsidized housing law.
Experience working in housing justice, legal aid, or social services settings.
Bilingual ability in Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, Russian, or other second language.

Responsibilities

Provide full scope representation to tenants in eviction matters including: Preparing responsive pleadings, discovery, and motions; Advocating for tenants and negotiating on their behalf with landlords and landlord attorneys in unlawful detainer (eviction) actions; Representing tenants at court hearings, settlement conferences, and trials.
Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and within the respective department.
Provide support for volunteer attorneys and attorneys at other legal services organizations representing tenants.
Work with attorneys and other EDC staff to train and supervise work product of law fellows and law clerks.
Conduct training and other outreach as needed to other non-profit and community-based agencies.
Co-counsel on cases staffed by more junior staff until such time as the junior staff is able to work more independently.
Provide mentorship to law fellows, law clerks, and new staff attorneys.
On a periodic basis, advise EDC's RTC clinic staff, including answering questions and reviewing draft pleadings.
Work collaboratively with the Supervising Litigation Attorneys to develop training plans and mentorship to new attorneys, law fellows, law clerks, etc.
Attend and actively contribute to weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and relevant supervision meetings.
Ensure accurate, timely data entry to support program evaluation and outcomes tracking.
Represent EDC at community meetings/events as required.
Work with attorneys and other EDC staff to train and review the work of law fellows, law clerks, and more junior staff attorneys.