Tenant Rights Trial Attorney — Eviction Defense (SF)

Medasf; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) seeks a Tenant Rights Trial Attorney (Temporary) to join our Housing Stabilization & Eviction Defense team in San Francisco. You will lead eviction defense, represent tenants in unlawful detainer actions, and advocate for fair housing and civil rights on behalf of clients facing displacement.

You will work in a hybrid setting, reporting to the Chief Program Officer, and collaborate with MEDA’s housing counselors to support housing stability for low- and

Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish and English required.
• Active California State Bar membership in good standing.
• Minimum 1–3 years of litigation experience, including trial or evidentiary hearings.

Responsibilities

• Provide full-scope representation for tenants facing eviction, including all aspects of unlawful detainer proceedings.
• Represent clients in administrative hearings such as the San Francisco Rent Board.
• Handle all court filings, discovery, motion practice, depositions, and trial representation related to case management.
• Create legal documents, including correspondence, briefs, motions, pleadings, contracts, affidavits, and settlement agreements for contract negotiations and proceedings.
• Work with low- and moderate-income clients on legal matters related to staying in their homes.
• Negotiate settlements and stipulations to preserve tenants’ housing.
• Offer limited-scope representation or counsel for tenants navigating escalated housing predicaments.
• Investigate and litigate housing discrimination and retaliation claims under federal, state, and local law.
• File and pursue administrative and judicial complaints to enforce tenants’ fair housing and civil rights.
• Represent and advise tenants on post-eviction legal issues, including recovery of security deposits, lease termination disputes, and eviction record expungement or sealing.
• Collaborate with MEDA’s housing counselors to help clients rebuild financial and housing stability after eviction.
• Establish and refine operating procedures and policies to ensure appropriate handling of client cases, files, and other aspects of legal service delivery.
• Help shape and strengthen the eviction defense service line, including development of internal systems, case management protocols, and quality control standards.
• Support data tracking, reporting, and grant compliance requirements. Collaborate with housing counselors and other MEDA programs to create integrated service pathways for clients.
• Contribute to program strategy, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts to expand tenant protections.
• Support training and mentorship of legal staff, fellows, or volunteers as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Bilingual in Spanish and English

Litigation experience

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) seeks a Tenant Rights Trial Attorney (Temporary) to join our Housing Stabilization & Eviction Defense team in San Francisco. You will lead eviction defense, represent tenants in unlawful detainer actions, and advocate for fair housing and civil rights on behalf of clients facing displacement.

You will work in a hybrid setting, reporting to the Chief Program Officer, and collaborate with MEDA’s housing counselors to support housing stability for low- and