Description:
Job Purpose:The Supervising Attorney plays a key role in the implementation of San Francisco's Tenant Right to Counsel Initiative. This role involves both direct legal representation and day-to-day management and flow of work of the EDC's Litigation staff. Working with a team of attorneys, law fellows, interns, paralegals, and social workers, the Supervising Attorney will represent tenants fighting eviction lawsuits and guide staff in providing high-quality, trauma-informed legal services to tenants facing eviction.
The Supervising Litigation Attorney may also work in collaboration with other EDC staff as part of their or other EDC team member client's legal representation.
This position is ideal for a strategic, mission-aligned, client-centered litigator who is committed to housing justice, thrives in fast-paced environments, and brings a compassionate, equity-focused approach to both client advocacy and staff development. The Supervising Litigation Attorney ensures that EDC's legal work is coordinated, effective, and consistent with organizational values and programmatic goals.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Leadership and Supervision Duties (60% )
- Provide day-to-day oversight, coaching, and case guidance to a team of attorneys, fellows, paralegals, law clerks, and support staff) in all aspects of their provision of legal representation to tenants facing eviction
- Supervise legal work to ensure quality, effectiveness, and compliance with program deliverables and EDC's mission.
- Support professional development of litigation staff through regular 1:1 and team meetings, feedback, performance reviews, and targeted coaching and membership
- Assist the Director of Litigation and Policy in recruitment, onboarding, and training of new program staff.
- Provide mentoring, training, guidance, supervision and support to litigation staff as needed in the litigation process (e.g. ex parte applications, noticed motion drafting and hearings, trial prep including jury instructions, trial briefs, best case management practices and other litigation processes).
- Serve as a resource for complex case strategy and litigation support, including being prepared to "step in" as lead counsel or second chair when cases progress to trial
Legal Services Duties (20%)
- Maintain an active independent caseload providing both full and limited scope representation to tenants in eviction matters including:
- Preparing responsive pleadings, discovery, and motions;
- Advocating for tenants and negotiating on their behalf with landlords and landlords' attorneys in unlawful detainer (eviction) actions;
- Representing tenants at court hearings, settlement conferences, and trial.
Administrative Duties (20%)
- Attend Litigation program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and relevant supervision check-in meetings.
- Enter all data on time and correctly to support program evaluation and outcomes tracking.
- Represent EDC at community meetings/events as required.
- Support the Director of Litigation and Policy on litigation program related special projects or initiatives.
And 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.
Below are the minimum qualifications:
- Active membership in good standing with the California Bar.
- Minimum of five (5) years litigation experience (preferably in landlord-tenant, housing law, in the context of unlawful detainer).
- At least two (2) years of experience supervising or mentoring (legal professionals preferred).
- Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local landlord-tenant law.
- Possess ability to make quick decisions and exercise good judgment.
- Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and support in high-pressure, high volume, deadline driven environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of subsidized housing law.
- Experience working in housing justice, legal aid, or social services settings.
- Bilingual ability in Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, Russian, or other second language.
Required Skills:
Because we strive to be barrier-free and client-centered, the position requires individuals who truly enjoy working with people, have the skills and capacity to respond in an empathetic and respectful way to clients who are often in crisis, and can work effectively in a collegial and fast paced environment Additional requirements include:
- Strong interpersonal and team leadership skills, including ability to work both collaboratively and independently
- Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
- Highly organized with strong time management skills; able to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Legal Case management and Salesforce experiences a plus.
- Excellent customer service skills (professional demeanor, sound judgment, communication, de-escalation, conflict management, client-management, etc.) and proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Comfort working with diverse populations, including clients in crisis and from a variety of backgrounds.
Union
EDC staff are represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW, UAW Local 2320, AFL-CIO). This position is not a union position and is subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
Working Conditions:
The position requires working with individuals during moments of extreme stress and instability. The position also requires the provision of culturally sensitive and empathetic services. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
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 of 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 Supervising Litigation Attorney will have shared supervision of litigation attorneys, law fellows, and other litigation advocates with the other Supervising Litigation Attorneys and the Director of Litigation and Policy. Direct reports will be assigned by the Director of Litigation and Policy.
Compensation:
Pay Range: $100,000.00–$110,000.00 annually.
Salary will be determined based on the candidate's skills, qualifications, and relevant experience, within EDC's compensation structure for this position.
This is a full-time, exempt position and is not 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 benefits package for full-time employees, including:
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions
- Generous pa
