Staff Attorney, Housing

Law Foundation of Silicon Valley•San Jose, CA

1h•$82,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley is hiring a Staff Attorney for its Housing Program, a team of attorneys, community advocates, a social worker, and support staff. The program combines direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and organizing to support tenants, vehicle residents, and unhoused people. Current policy priorities include stronger residential code enforcement, right to counsel in eviction cases, tenant anti-displacement policies, and decriminalization of homelessness policies. The Staff Attorney will use litigation, policy advocacy, and organizing to prevent housing loss and community displacement, address housing discrimination, preserve healthy and affordable housing, and improve access to justice for marginalized community members. The work may include direct services and systemic advocacy, with its composition depending on departmental needs, grant requirements, and team members’ experience and interests. All attorneys are expected to have or develop competency in unlawful detainer representation. This is a full-time, exempt, hybrid position reporting to a Supervising Attorney. The employee may be expected to work in the San Jose office at least two days per week and must reside in California. The position is part of the SEIU Local 521 bargaining unit.

Requirements

Current member in good standing with the California State Bar.
Commitment to community lawyering and social justice.
Strong litigation skills, including research, writing, and oral advocacy, or a desire to build those skills.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Compassionate and effective communication with individuals in crisis.
Ability to identify, investigate, and resolve client problems.
Ability to analyze, write, and present ideas and legal concepts clearly and concisely.
Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask and adapt to client and departmental needs.
Ability to work on a team of lawyers and nonlawyer staff on cases and projects.
Willingness to take risks and think outside the box.
Awareness of how race and other identities shape work with communities, and commitment to inclusion and belonging.
Alignment with the Law Foundation’s mission and values.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 or similar software, with openness to learning new tools.
Ability to perform essential job functions, including use of standard office equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Valid driver’s license or other reliable transportation for local case work and court appearances.
Some weekend or evening work may be required.
California State residency; the employer cannot consider staff living in other states.

Nice To Haves

Experience or demonstrated interest working with unhoused communities.
Experience in policy advocacy and/or organizing.
Experience in community lawyering.
Spanish or Vietnamese proficiency.

Responsibilities

Represent clients in eviction court and administrative proceedings; caseloads are designed to allow time for systemic advocacy or project-based work.
Lead pro per legal clinics and/or help self-represented tenants navigate eviction court.
Support organizing strategy development, legal research, advice, and/or representation for tenants, vehicle residents, and unhoused people.
Engage in community-driven policy advocacy.
Conduct factual investigations and assist with developing legal theories and strategy, legal research and briefing, discovery review, depositions, and client communication.
Participate in tenant association meetings, policy coalition meetings, community events, and government hearings as needed.
Support program and organization-wide initiatives, including building race equity.
Provide legal support to non-attorney staff and pro bono volunteers assisting clients.
Collaborate with other Law Foundation departments, including the pro bono department, to provide seamless client services.
Have or develop competency in unlawful detainer representation.

Benefits

19 paid holidays per year.
3–5 weeks of vacation per year.
12 days of sick leave per year.
Up to 6 months of parental leave.
Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums.
Free or discounted mental health therapy and wellness services for employees and dependents through the Employee Assistance Program.
401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
Sabbatical after 5 years of employment.
Additional monthly stipend for bilingual employees who use their language abilities in their work.
Annual professional development budget.
Employer-paid California Bar license and/or social work license fees.
Hybrid work schedule flexibility.
Office amenities include a fully equipped gym, outdoor terrace, on-site parking, bike storage, lounge areas, and 24/7 security.