Staff Attorney (Housing)

Who We Are

The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley advances the rights of underrepresented individuals and families in our diverse community through legal services, strategic advocacy, and educational outreach. Now with over 90 employees, the Law Foundation is the largest provider of free legal services in the South Bay. Located in downtown San Jose, the Law Foundation is dynamic interesting place to work. We pride ourselves on fostering a work environment that is motivating, collaborative and fun, with plenty of opportunities for professional growth. We are working towards a race - conscious legal services practice.

What You'll Do

The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley is seeking a full-time Attorney for its Housing Department. The Law Foundation is focused on the prevention of displacement of low-income individuals and communities of color through both direct legal services, including unlawful detainer defense, and system change work, including impact litigation and policy advocacy.

The Housing Attorney may have several different job duties and responsibilities, and these responsibilities could shift overtime ranging from direct representation of tenants to policy advocacy and impact litigation. The Housing Rights Attorney may assist with landlord/tenant problems, eviction defense, fair housing/housing discrimination complaints, reasonable accommodations of disability, Section 8 voucher/Housing Authority issues. Additionally, the attorney may work on policy advocacy and policy campaigns, fair housing and impact litigation. The Housing Attorney will also be involved in community and client education and outreach activities, and system reform projects.

Primary Duties

• Provide direct representation to clients in unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings and managing an individual caseload;
• Engage in policy advocacy including research and writing, writing reports related to policy advocacy, writing advocacy letters to legislative bodies, and meeting with elected officials. Policy issues that the attorney may work on include anti-displacement policies, and tenant protections including rent stabilization, and just cause eviction protections;
• Assist and lead fair housing and impact litigation including, but not limited to, research and writing, motion writing, written discovery and depositions;
• Investigate potential systemic issues including research, writing, public records reviews, and in-person surveying;
• Attend, monitor, and provide feedback at community meetings, government body meetings, task force meetings, and other meetings/hearings related to systemic advocacy;
• Conduct outreach and community education presentations and produce educational materials;
• Support program and organization-wide initiatives, including race equity;
• Participate in education and outreach to community about legal issues confronted by low-income tenants; 
• Provide legal support to non-attorney staff and pro bono volunteers assisting with client intake and legal services.

Who You Are

• Applicants must have California Bar Membership, or be otherwise eligible to practice law in California (individuals awaiting California Bar Exam results are eligible to apply);
• Experience managing a high-volume caseload including experience representing tenants in unlawful detainer actions;
• Ability to identify, investigate and resolve client problems;
• Ability to analyze, write and present ideas and legal concepts clearly and concisely;
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and perform well under pressure in a fast-paced environment;
• Affirmative litigation experience including representing Plaintiffs in housing matters in state and federal court;
• Ability to work independently and effectively work as a part of a team, both internal and external to the Law Foundation;
• Experience in policy advocacy and/or organizing;
• Experience in community lawyering;
• Connections to and experience working with diverse populations, including communities of color and people living with disabilities;
• Ability to interact compassionately and effectively with individuals in crisis;
• Passion for social justice and race equity, as well as a desire to provide assistance to underserved populations;
• Bilingual (particularly Spanish or Vietnamese) applicants are desired.

What We Offer

Ultimate placements and job duties will be assigned based upon the needs of the Law Foundation with consideration for the interests, skills, and experience of the applicant. Excellent benefits are provided including:

• 19 paid holidays per year
• 3-5 weeks of vacation per year
• 12 days of sick leave per year
• Up to 6 months of parental leave
• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums
• A robust Employee Assistance Program that includes free/discounted mental health therapy and wellness services for employees and their dependents
• A 401(k)-retirement plan. Employer contributions after the first year of employment.
• 2 weeks of paid educational leave for those scheduled to take the California Bar Examination
• A sabbatical after 5 years of employment
• An annual budget for professional development
• An additional monthly stipend for those who are bilingual and utilize their language abilities in the course of their job
• The option to work a hybrid schedule (candidates must be available to commute to the office, field work, or hearings 2+ days per week)