Staff Attorney, Housing

Law Foundation of Silicon Valley•San Jose, CA

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley is hiring a Staff Attorney to join 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. Its current priorities include stronger residential code enforcement, a right to counsel in eviction cases, tenant anti-displacement policies, and decriminalization of homelessness. The 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 specific mix of work will depend 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 position reporting to a Supervising Attorney. It is part of the SEIU Local 521 bargaining unit. The Law Foundation has a hybrid workplace; the role may require working from the San Jose office at least two days per week. Employees must reside in California, and local travel may be needed for case work and court appearances. Some evening or weekend work may be required.

Requirements

Current membership 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 develop 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; analyze, write, and present legal concepts clearly and concisely.
Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask, and adaptability to client and departmental needs.
Ability to work on cases and projects as part of a team of lawyers and nonlawyer staff.
Willingness to take risks and think creatively.
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 tools and openness to learning new tools.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including using standard office equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Valid driver’s license or other reliable transportation for local case work and court appearances.
California State residency; the role may require working in the San Jose office at least two days per week.
Some evening or weekend work may be required.

Nice To Haves

Experience or demonstrated interest in 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 leave time for systemic advocacy and/or project-based work.
Lead pro per legal clinics and/or assist self-represented tenants in navigating eviction court.
Support organizing strategy, legal research, advice, and/or legal representation for tenants, vehicle residents, and unhoused people.
Engage in community-driven policy advocacy.
Conduct factual investigations and assist with legal theories and strategy, legal research and briefing, discovery review, depositions, and client communication.
Participate in tenant association and 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.

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 at work.
Annual professional development budget.
Employer-paid California Bar license and/or social work license fees.
Hybrid schedule flexibility.
Office amenities include a fully equipped gym, outdoor terrace, on-site parking, bike storage, lounge areas, and 24/7 security.