Description:

Job Purpose:
The Litigation Staff Attorney plays an important role in advancing EDC's mission by providing high-quality, trauma-informed legal services to tenants facing eviction. The Staff Attorney will provide full-scope legal representation, from advice and negotiation through trial, helping clients assert their rights and maintain stable housing. Working under the direction of the Supervising Litigation Attorney, this role is an integral part of a collaborative, mission-driven legal team that values empathy, excellence, and equity. The Staff Attorney partners closely with colleagues across EDC's programs to ensure clients receive coordinated support and holistic services.

This position is ideal for an attorney who is passionate about housing justice, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and brings a client-centered and team-oriented approach to their work.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Legal Services (85%)

Represent tenants in all phases of unlawful detainer cases, including case assessment, legal research, preparation of responsive pleadings, discovery, motions, and trial preparation.
Advocate on behalf of tenants through negotiation, settlement discussions, and mediation with landlords and opposing counsel.
Represent clients in court hearings, settlement conferences (including Mandatory Settlement Conferences), and trials.
Provide limited-scope representation and frontline legal support to EDC's Clinic, RADCo, and SCA departments on a rotational basis.
Collaborate with Senior Attorneys and Supervising Attorneys on complex matters and contribute to the professional development of junior legal staff and fellows through informal mentorship and case support.
Maintain timely, accurate, and complete case records, including case notes, pleadings, and data entry in the organization's case management system (e.g., Legal Server).

Collaboration and Program Support (10%)

Collaborate effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and other EDC staff to ensure coordinated, high-quality client service.
Participate actively in team and program meetings, trainings, and case review discussions to share best practices and improve service delivery.
Contribute to internal resource development, process improvement, and cross-program collaboration efforts.

Administrative and Organizational Participation (5%)

Accurately record required data to support program evaluation, grant compliance, and outcomes reporting.
Participate in weekly program meetings, monthly agency-wide staff meetings, and supervision meetings as required.
Represent EDC at community meetings, partner convenings, or other events as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned in alignment with organizational needs.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
At EDC, we work to protect housing stability and provide meaningful access to legal and financial support for San Francisco tenants facing eviction. First and foremost, candidates must share our commitment to high-quality, client-centered services and bring strong professional skills, sound judgment, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Our work often involves supporting individuals and families through difficult and stressful moments. Success in this role requires empathy, professionalism, and a calm, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving. 

Minimum qualifications. 

Active membership in good standing with the California Bar (candidates awaiting bar results may be considered).
At least two (2) years of legal experience, preferably in landlord-tenant, housing law, or public interest legal services, providing direct legal counseling or representation to tenants in crisis or under significant stress.
Knowledgeable about the unlawful detainer process in San Francisco and familiarity with state and local housing laws, including the San Francisco Rent Ordinance, Tenant Right to Counsel (TRC) program, eviction protections and procedures, fair housing, habitability, and subsidized housing programs.
Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, including the ability to provide clear, empathetic, and accurate information over the phone.
Understanding of systemic housing inequities, historical discrimination, and contemporary housing justice efforts.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience providing full-scope representation in unlawful detainer actions or related civil litigation.
Familiarity with San Francisco's Tenant Right to Counsel (TRC) program or similar city-funded legal services initiatives.
Proficiency in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or another language commonly spoken in San Francisco is a plus.

Required Skills:

High level of professional integrity, accountability, and reliability.
Excellent client-centered approach to service; demonstrated ability to work with clients who may be in distress or crisis.
Strong cultural competency and cultural humility.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Strong time management and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with a high volume of activity.
Possess ability to make sound, quick decisions and exercise good judgment.
Good listening skills and ability to convey complex information clearly.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other office software; Salesforce or other legal/case management database experience.

Union
EDC staff are represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW, UAW Local 2320, AFL-CIO). This position is a union position and is subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. 

Working Conditions:
This position involves regular interaction with staff, supervisors, and union representatives in a collaborative, unionized workplace. The role may involve handling sensitive or confidential matters and requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, and cultural awareness. Strong communication skills and the ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics with empathy and fairness are essential.

EDC adheres to health and safety protocols established by the San Francisco Department of Public Health, the CDC, and federal and state OSHA requirements.

This is a hybrid role with an expectation to be on-site at least three (3) days per week, depending on the needs of the organization and the Litigation Team. EDC maintains a three-day in-office policy for all employees. Staff are expected to be available and responsive via email, phone, and video conferencing during standard business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) while working remotely, and to communicate with their supervisor when attending off-site meetings or obligations. Remote work equipment and an internet/utilities stipend are provided in accordance with the needs of the role and department.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
Frequent typing and data entry tasks requiring repetitive hand and finger motions.
Close visual acuity required for reviewing and analyzing documents, data, and figures.
Regular and sustained use of computers and related technology.
Utilize public transportation for travel to various locations or frequent walking required within the city of San Francisco.
Ability to access multi-level buildings using stairs or elevators as needed.

Direct Reports
The Litigation Staff Attorney will not supervise any employee.

Compensation:
Pay Range: $80,000.00–$90,000.00 annually, in accordance with the NOLSW-UAW Local 2320 and EDC Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Pay may be increased by $1,000 per year of relevant prior work experience (up to 10 years), as provided under the CBA for applicants hired into bargaining unit positions. This experience-based increase in pay applies only at the time of hire for external candidates entering bargaining unit positions.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable federal and state law.

Multilingual Stipend: EDC offers a multilingual stipend of $125 per month per test ($1,500 per year)-whether written or oral- for specific roles that regularly use oral or written communication with clients or related parties in Spanish, Tagalog, Cantonese, or Mandarin. To qualify, employees must pass an oral and/or written test approved by the Labor-Management Committee. This position may be eligible for the multilingual stipend.

Benefits: EDC offers a generous