Tenant's Rights Trial Attorney
About The Position
In 2022, MEDA formed Housing Stabilization & Eviction Defense (HSED) to appropriately serve the Mission Community with culturally competent legal services for housing conflicts. To further our impact, MEDA is hiring a Tenant Rights Trial Attorney to join our HSED legal staff. The position requires a candidate who will actively work with clients facing tenants’ rights issues and eviction lawsuits to avoid displacement. They will join HSED counsel to carry out the daily operations of the eviction defense service line, lead legal representation in unlawful detainer actions, fair housing & civil rights matters, and post-eviction housing stability cases. The role involves direct client representation, litigation, and strategic advocacy to prevent displacement, address discrimination, and support tenants’ reentry into stable housing after eviction. The Tenant Rights Trial Attorney will support and represent clients to understand and navigate their current housing situations, determine and explain their rights and contractual obligations, and help them make well-informed decisions to best protect their household interests. The attorney will provide legal counsel and be responsible for performing trial representation, discovery collection, legal research, drafting and filing motions along with other documents, handling depositions, and keeping client files up to date. The attorney will handle a wide range of landlord/tenant disputes, including issues related to rental rates, late or unpaid rent, nuisance situations, no-fault evictions, disagreements about the habitability of rental units, subtenancy challenges, and other tenant and landlord rights matters. Trial experience in representing tenants against unlawful detainer claims is a requirement for the role.
Requirements
- Bilingual Spanish and English required.
- Active membership in good standing in the State Bar of California.
- Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited college or university.
- Professional or lived experience working with communities of color required.
- Minimum 1–3 years of litigation experience, including trial or evidentiary hearing representation.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a caseload of eviction defense and housing litigation matters.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills are required to work with clients, staff members, and senior attorneys.
Responsibilities
- Provide full-scope representation for tenants facing eviction, including all aspects of unlawful detainer proceedings.
- Handle all court filings, discovery, motion practice, depositions, and trial representation related to case management.
- Work with low and moderate income clients on legal matters related to staying in their homes.
- Negotiate settlements and stipulations to preserve tenants’ housing.
- Offer limited-scope representation or counsel for tenants navigating escalated housing predicaments.
- Investigate and litigate housing discrimination and retaliation claims under federal, state, and local law.
- File and pursue administrative and judicial complaints to enforce tenants’ fair housing and civil rights.
- Represent and advise tenants on post-eviction legal issues, including recovery of security deposits, lease termination disputes, and eviction record expungement or sealing.
- Collaborate with MEDA’s housing counselors to help clients rebuild financial and housing stability after eviction.
- Establish and refine operating procedures and policies to ensure appropriate handling of client cases, files, and other aspects of legal service delivery.
- Help shape and strengthen the eviction defense service line, including development of internal systems, case management protocols, and quality control standards.
- Support data tracking, reporting, and grant compliance requirements. Collaborate with housing counselors and other MEDA programs to create integrated service pathways for clients.
- Contribute to program strategy, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts to expand tenant protections.
- Support training and mentorship of legal staff, fellows, or volunteers as appropriate.
- Other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and their dependents – 100 percent covered by MEDA
- 401(k) plan for employees
- Generous paid time off - with a minimum of 20 days for new employees
- Employee Assistance Program that offers free financial or legal counseling to employees or their families
- Other forms of voluntary benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
