Staff Attorney

The Eviction Defense Staff Attorney provides full-scope legal representation to clients in unlawful detainer proceedings in San Francisco, in the substantive area of eviction defense; interviews potential clients and reviews the merit of their cases; resolves client problems; and works in collaboration with other community agencies. Independently manages a full caseload at all stages of litigation.

Essential Job Functions:

Handle a full Caseload - Each month, the staff attorney will take approximately 5 new full- scope unlawful detainer cases (50-55 cases per year). – Because unlawful detainers are summary proceedings, this position often has settlement/conference and trial dates within two weeks of taking the case. The following tasks must be done efficiently and while juggling other current full scope cases and stipulation breach hearings in former cases: Client interviews and management; Site inspections / Discovery / depositions ; Organizing case file ; Client letters ; Discussions with opposing counsel ; Calendaring and Document review ; Client money management/ handling; Database entries and updating; Client communication; Negotiations and settlement conference appearances; Research and writing briefs and declarations ; Court appearances, including mandatory settlement conferences and jury trials when needed.; Timekeeping

Additional Job Functions:

• Intake, case conference, placement weekly
• Able to balance intake and placement needs as applicable to the case/client referral assigned, with in-office work as necessary
• Calendar organizing and communicating with other organizations
• Provide coverage for Eviction team during daily intake clinic.
• Maintain complete and updated client files; timely provide proof of representation.
• Other Administrative tasks as needed
• Participation in staff meetings and other program functions

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an open area workstation, or in an office, at HAP’s office located in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood, during normal business hours, which are Tuesday through Friday, from 8:30am to 5:45pm; and at the San Francisco Court House. Off-site home visits may also be required. Because of the litigation aspect of the position, Monday court appearances may be required. The position also requires heavy telephone and computer use. Consistent with the ability to successfully perform the job, a hybrid work schedule may be possible.

Education:

Must be member of the California bar in good standing.

Experience:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and be able to make quick decisions
• Must have demonstrated capability of working on several projects simultaneously, handling a high volume of activity
• Should have a demonstrated commitment to assisting disadvantaged communities.
• Experience representing low-income clients, and/or clients who have mental health disabilities.
• Working knowledge of landlord-tenant law required.
• Bilingual (Spanish or Chinese) skills are preferred, but not required.

Specific Skills and Qualifications:

• License to Practice law in California
• Bilingual in Spanish (preferred), including strong written skills

Equal Opportunity Employer:

JDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We conduct all employment-related activities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other classification protected by applicable Local, State or Federal employment discrimination laws. JDC welcomes diversity in the workplace.