Community Outreach Attorney

EDC JOB DESCRIPTION 

JOB PURPOSE 

The Community Outreach Attorney advances EDC’s mission by expanding equitable access to housing legal services in San Francisco’s historically underserved neighborhoods -- including Bayview/Hunters Point, the Mission, the Excelsior, and the Western Addition -- and by deepening community partnerships in support of the San Francisco’s Tenant Right to Counsel initiative. Reporting to a Supervising Litigation Attorney, this role combines direct tenant counseling, community-based outreach and education, and limited-scope legal representation to ensure tenants facing eviction receive timely, client-centered support. The Community Outreach Attorney provides counseling and education on federal, state, and local tenant protections, including eviction protections and procedures, fair housing, habitability, and subsidized housing and is tasked with making sure that EDC’s satellite office provide 5-10 hours of counseling to the public per week. 

This is a dynamic, community-facing position ideal for an attorney who is passionate about housing justice, thrives in collaborative, fast-paced environments, and brings cultural humility and strong cultural competency along with a relationship-centered approach to working with tenants and community partners. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Outreach & Community Based Off-Site Tenant Counseling (60%) 

• Provide an average of 20 hours per month of direct tenant counseling and legal advice during off-site housing legal clinics in EDC’s satellite offices (current locations include Bayview/Hunters Point and the Mission)
• Secure and schedule regular attorney and RTC staffing to assist with tenant counseling at off-site clinics.
• Develop a referral protocol for tenants in need of additional services.
• Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, including the Latino Task Force, the Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco, and other community partners to provide and/or oversee off-site counseling, workshops, and trainings
• Develop and deliver know-your-rights trainings, legal workshops, and other related educational materials for tenants, community advocates, and service providers.
• Mentor attorneys and RTC staff providing tenant counseling services at off-site clinics.
• Collaborate with community partners to identify emerging housing issues, barriers to access, and opportunities to improve quality and quantity of outreach and service delivery.
• Track data and outreach outcomes with special emphasis on racial disparities to inform program evaluation and equity-focused improvements.
• Represent EDC at community meetings, outreach events, and collaborative initiatives.

Right to Counsel Clinic Support (25%) 

• Provide mentorship and guidance to EDC’s Right to Counsel (RTC) clinic staff, including reviewing draft pleadings and answering legal questions.
• Coordinate scheduling and coverage of Senior and Supervising Attorneys for RTC clinic supervision during times of unavailability.
• Collaborate with EDC’s litigation team to ensure consistency and quality of advice across on-site and off-site service delivery.

Legal Services Duties (15%) 

• Provide limited-scope representation to tenants at Mandatory Settlement Conferences (MSCs).
• Assign and coordinate coverage among EDC attorneys and partner organizations to ensure representation at all MSCs.
• Review weekly unlawful detainer MSC court calendars, email communications from RTC Coordinators’ monitoring of the Register of Actions and review the TRC MSC spreadsheets to ensure coverage of all upcoming MSCs.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry into case management and program databases.
• Perform other duties as assigned in furtherance of EDC’s mission.

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, cultural competency, and a calm, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving. 

Below are the minimum qualifications:   

• Active membership in good standing with the California Bar.
• Two (2) or more years of legal experience, preferably in landlord-tenant, housing law, or public interest legal services providing direct legal counseling or representation to clients in crisis or under significant stress.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience with community outreach, community engagements, or collaboration with community-based organizations.
• Knowledgeable about the unlawful detainer process in San Francisco and familiarity with state and local housing laws, including the San Francisco Rent Ordinance, Tenant Right to Counsel (TRC) program, eviction protections and procedures, fair housing, habitability, and subsidized housing programs.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, including the ability to provide clear, empathetic, and accurate information over the phone.
• Understanding of systemic housing inequities, historical discrimination, and contemporary housing justice efforts.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a related field (e.g., Community Development, Public Policy, or Nonprofit Management).
• 1+ years of experience conducting community outreach or trainings, especially in underserved communities.
• Experience collaborating with community coalitions or cross-agency partners.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or another language commonly spoken in San Francisco is a plus.

REQUIRED SKILLS 

• High level of professional integrity, accountability, and reliability.
• Excellent client-centered approach to service; demonstrated ability to work with clients who may be in distress or crisis.
• Strong cultural competency and cultural humility.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong time management and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with a high volume of activity.
• Possess ability to make sound, quick decisions and exercise good judgment.
• Good listening skills and ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other office software; Salesforce or other legal/case management database experience.

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.  

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.  

● Prolonged sitting/standing.  

● Extensive typing/data entry.  

● Close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, text, and figures.  

● Prolonged computer use. 

DIRECT REPORTS 

The Community Outreach Attorney will not supervise any employee. 

COMPENSATION 

Pay Range: $80,000–$90,000.00 annually, in accordance with the NOLSW-UAW Local 2320 and EDC Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). 

Salary may be increased by $1,000 per year of relevant prior experience (up to 10 years), as provided under the CBA for applicants hired into bargaining unit positions. This experience-based increase in pay applies only at the time of hire for external candidates entering bargaining unit positions. 

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 is 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 paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Commuter benefits
• Professional development opportunities

EDC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC) is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone is treated fairly, regardless of background or identity.  

Employment decisions at EDC are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications — without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.