We are seeking an experienced Housing Attorney to work primarily on behalf of tenants living in public or federally subsidized housing in San Francisco. The position may involve the following duties:
• Representing low-income tenants at all stages of the unlawful detainer process, including trial
• Providing advocacy before the San Francisco Housing Authority and other administrative agencies
• Advocating for tenants on issues of fair housing, substandard conditions and VAWA
• Identifying systemic problems that affect our clients’ housing rights and addressing these challenges through affirmative
litigation and policy work
• Conducting community outreach and training for public housing residents
• Collaborating with the local and national tenant advocacy community
• Membership in good standing in the California State Bar
• At least one year relevant litigation and advocacy experience with a particular emphasis on federally subsidized
housing
• Familiarity with the specific laws and challenges facing tenants in San Francisco, including local rent and eviction control
protections, implementation of the HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration project, and rent repayment initiatives in
public housing
• Familiarity with the local tenant advocacy community and the San Francisco Housing Court
• Excellent communication and writing skills in addressing various audiences
• Demonstrated legal research, writing, and oral advocacy experience
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience working with interns, law clerks, and pro bono attorneys
• Ability to take initiative and to work independently and as a part of a team
• Cultural competence and experience working with low-income clients from all of San Francisco’s diverse communities
• Bilingual ability in Spanish or Cantonese preferred
Bay Area Legal Aid thrives on our diversity and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and strongly encourage women, persons of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups to apply. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply before March 16, 2018. Please send cover letter, resume, references, diversity statement (see below)and writing sample to: Arlene Steifert, HR Director at [email protected]. Please reference "Temporary Housing Attorney San Francisco" in your application.
In a separate page from your cover letter, please address the following:
BayLegal’s clients are low- and very low-income members of our communities. They include the working poor, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. To ensure our organization is best serving these populations, BayLegal strives to promote an evolving set of behaviors and attitudes amongst our staff, as well as policies that enable us to work effectively in all cross-cultural situations, with clients, with our coworkers, and with the community. We see this as a commitment to enhance the provision of our services to all clients; to raise the level of positive client outcomes; and to create an inclusive and respectful workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued.
How do you think your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to contribute to our commitment to cultural humility and diversity amongst our staff? Feel free to think broadly about your response to this question, applying various aspects of your life and personal experiences.