Senior Attorney, Tenant Advocacy Project

Description
The Senior Attorney, Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP), provides legal assistance and pre-court advocacy to low-income San Francisco tenants facing housing-related problems, with a particular focus on resolving disputes and preventing eviction before they result in court proceedings. TAP does not provide eviction defense or other litigation services; instead, the program works proactively with tenants, landlords, property managers, master tenants, roommates, and others to resolve housing disputes through legal advice, negotiation, and advocacy and to help clients avoid eviction and other court filings whenever possible. The Senior Attorney evaluates potential cases, identifies legal issues, advises and advocates for clients, and develops strategies to resolve disputes. The position also helps develop and coordinate TAP's services, including client intake and case placement, collaboration with community-based organizations and volunteer attorneys, legal trainings and resources, community outreach, and grant reporting. Depending on staffing and program needs, the Senior Attorney may train or supervise volunteers, fellows, or other project staff, but direct supervision of other attorneys is not a responsibility of the position.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, assistance, and pre-court advocacy to low-income tenants concerning landlord-tenant and housing-related matters.
• Evaluate potential client matters, conduct legal issue-spotting, assess available remedies, and determine the appropriate level and type of assistance.
• Provide ongoing legal assistance and pre-court advocacy in pre-eviction disputes, including advocacy with landlords, property managers, master tenants, neighbors, roommates, and others concerning rent, habitability, tenancy rights, and other housing issues.
• Develop case strategies and advocate effectively on behalf of clients to resolve disputes, prevent displacement, and avoid eviction and other court proceedings whenever possible.
• TAP does not provide eviction defense or other litigation services. The Senior Attorney's practice is focused on resolving matters through advice, negotiation, and advocacy before litigation or other court proceedings become necessary.
• Maintain an effective system for client intake, case management, referral, and placement.
• Collaborate with community-based organizations and other JDC programs to provide coordinated legal and non-legal services to low-income clients.
• Identify appropriate matters for referral to volunteer attorneys and support the placement and coordination of those matters.
• Develop, update, and present legal trainings and educational materials for volunteer attorneys and community partners, as appropriate.
• Provide guidance and support to volunteer attorneys and, depending on staffing and program needs, may train or supervise a Client Advocate, Fellow, or other project staff.
• Attend approximately three Legal Advice and Referral Clinics per month and provide limited-scope legal consultations concerning landlord-tenant issues.
• Conduct community outreach and represent JDC at community meetings and events, as requested.
• Assist the Director/Managing Attorney of Pro Bono Legal Services and Development Department staff with grant proposals, reports, and other communications concerning TAP.
• Contribute to written materials, publications, and educational resources concerning tenant advocacy and TAP's work.
• Maintain accurate case and program data and complete required documentation and grant-related reporting.
• Perform necessary administrative and clerical tasks associated with the position.

Education & Experience

• Must be an active member in good standing of the California State Bar.
• At least 5 years of legal experience, including substantial experience in landlord-tenant law.
• Experience representing low-income clients is strongly preferred.
• Experience with housing-related areas of law, such as real estate, poverty law, public benefits, family law, trusts and estates, tort, or contract law, is a plus.
• Experience working with community-based organizations or volunteer attorneys is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of California landlord-tenant law and familiarity with San Francisco housing laws and procedures.
• Excellent legal research, writing, oral advocacy, negotiation, and client counseling skills.
• Strong issue-spotting and problem-solving abilities and sound, independent legal judgment.
• Ability to manage a substantial caseload and prioritize effectively in a high-volume environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues, community partners, and volunteer attorneys.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds and with community-based organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing legal services to low-income and underserved communities.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly in Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese, are strongly preferred.

Working Conditions
JDC's offices are located in downtown San Francisco. An essential aspect of this position is providing landlord-tenant legal consultations at JDC's offsite Legal Advice and Referral Clinics, generally three times per month. Otherwise, the Senior Attorney is expected to work in the office during normal business hours at least two days per week and may work remotely during business hours on other weekdays.
The position involves significant computer and telephone use and requires the ability to manage multiple matters and competing priorities in a busy legal services environment.
To Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter.
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.