Paralegal/Litigation Clerk

Eviction Defense Collaborative, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC) in San Francisco seeks a Paralegal/Litigation Clerk to support tenants facing eviction and assist Litigation attorneys with a fast-paced caseload. You will communicate empathetically with clients and help maintain organized case files.

The hybrid role includes drafting pleadings, responding to discovery, calendar management, trial support, and coordinating with RADCo and staff to ensure access to legal and rental assistance services.

Qualifications

• At least one year of legal support experience.
• Ability to draft legal documents and support litigation efforts.
• Experience handling client communications with empathy and discretion.
• Experience managing calendars and case files.

Responsibilities

• Assist in responding to and propounding discovery.
• Review legal documents and pleadings for accuracy.
• Under attorney supervision, prepare responsive pleadings and motions.
• Maintain and update client files, calendars, and internal databases.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Organizational skills

Time management

Team collaboration

Empathy and professionalism

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Paralegal certificate or degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Hourly Pay Rate: $32.42 - $37.47 Bargining Unit: Yes

Direct Reports: None Effective: July 1, 2026

Job Title: Paralegal/Litigation Clerk FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Litigation Supervisor: Paralegal Supervisor

Hourly Pay Rate: $32.42 - $37.47 Bargining Unit: Yes

Direct Reports: None Effective: July 1, 2026

MISSION & VALUES

EDC Mission

Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC) works to prevent homelessness before it starts by providing compassionate, high-quality legal assistance, rental assistance, and supportive services to San Francisco tenants facing eviction or housing instability. We believe that housing is a human right, and we strive to ensure that every San Franciscan has meaningful access to justice and the resources needed to remain safely housed.

EDC GREAT Values

• Gratitude - Valuing one another’s contributions and recognizing the impact of our collective work
• Responsibility - Acting with accountability, integrity, and sound stewardship of public resources
• Excellence - Delivering high-quality, accurate, and mission-driven work
• Adaptability - Responding effectively to evolving systems, policies, and community needs
• Trust - Building confidence through transparency, reliability, and respect

JOB SUMMARY

The Litigation Paralegal (Paralegal) is an integral part of the Right to Counsel Program that assists Litigation attorneys in the course of their representation of tenants facing eviction. 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.

The employee will work closely with RADCo (Rental Assistance) and Litigation staff to ensure clients are supported in their efforts to secure rental and/or litigation assistance. The employee will be primarily tasked with assisting Litigation Attorneys in their work representing tenants facing eviction.

Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Services Duties (75%)

• Assist in responding to and propounding discovery.
• Review legal documents.
• Under attorney supervision, prepare responsive pleadings, stay of execution requests, other ex parte applications, noticed motions, and other necessary pleadings.
• Maintain and update client files, calendars, and internal databases in a timely and accurate manner.
• Conduct client intakes and maintain ongoing client communication with empathy and professionalism.
• Participate in regular skills-based training sessions.
• Provide trial preparation and litigation support for attorneys.
• Accompany attorneys to court hearings to shadow proceedings.
• Support litigation efforts by working with up to three (3) staff attorneys on approximately 150 cases per year.
• Work with attorneys and other EDC staff to train and supervise volunteers and interns.
• Organize and maintain documents.
• Conduct legal research.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Administrative Duties (25%)

• Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and relevant supervision meetings.
• Enter client data on time and correctly to support program evaluation and outcomes tracking.

QUALIFICATIONS

At EDC, we work to protect housing stability and provide meaningful access to legal support for San Francisco tenants facing eviction. 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.

Success in this role requires empathy, professionalism, cultural competency, and a solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least one year of relevant experience performing legal support work, whether paid, volunteer, internship, community-based, or academic.
• Demonstrated interest in and ability to learn core paralegal tasks such as drafting legal documents, supporting litigation efforts, and managing case files.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft and proofread legal documents.
• Experience working directly with individuals with a diversity of racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and other office software; experience managing online calendars and setting appointments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Paralegal certificate or degree (completed or in progress), OR a minimum of 1 year of legal support experience in a law office, legal aid organization, court system, or similar setting.
• Three (3) years of litigation paralegal experience strongly preferred.
• Experience drafting legal documents, supporting litigation efforts, and managing case files in a legal or related setting.
• Experience working in housing justice, legal aid, or social services settings.
• Fluency in a language other than English highly preferred (Spanish, Cantonese, or Tagalog especially welcome).
• Proven ability to ask personal or sensitive questions with professionalism, compassion, and discretion.
• Salesforce or other legal/case management database experience is a plus.

Required Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to communicate effectively with others, listen closely and convey points clearly.
• Strong organization and time-management skills; ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, manage a high volume of work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Ability to follow detailed instructions, collaborate effectively with legal teams, and engage constructively with clients and colleagues.

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.

Salary Determination

EDC uses a step system for all union employees. New employees are placed on the salary scale based on relevant work experience from the past nine years. Please include all relevant experience in your application and resume so EDC can determine your appropriate salary step.

Working conditions

This role involves handling sensitive and confidential information and requires professionalism, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Some evening or weekend work may be required.

This is a hybrid role. Employees may be able to work from home two (2) regularly scheduled days a week after thirty (30) days of employment. Staff must remain responsive during standard business hours while working remotely.

Work from home schedules shall be established in consultation with the Employee’s supervisor and approved by Program Directors and/or Human Resources.

Physical requirements

• Prolonged sitting/standing.
• Extensive typing and data entry.
• Close visual acuity for reviewing documents, data, and reports.
• Prolonged computer use.

Equal Opportunity Statement

EDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and respectful workplace. Employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to protected characteristics. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is not tolerated.