About the Role
The Litigation Paralegal is an integral part of the Right to Counsel Program, assisting Litigation attorneys in representing tenants facing eviction. This client-centered role requires individuals who enjoy working with people, can respond empathetically to clients in crisis, and thrive in a fast-paced, collegial environment. The employee will work closely with RADCo and Litigation staff to ensure clients receive necessary rental and/or litigation assistance.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Professionalism, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
- Prolonged sitting/standing.
- Extensive typing and data entry.
- Close visual acuity for reviewing documents, data, and reports.
- Prolonged computer use.
Skills
- Empathy
- Professionalism
- Cultural competency
- Solutions-focused approach to problem-solving
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Online calendar management
- Appointment setting
- Written communication
- Verbal communication
- Drafting legal documents
- Proofreading legal documents
- Time management
- Independent work
- Collaborative work
- Following detailed instructions
- Engaging constructively with clients and colleagues
Location
- San Francisco
Work Type
- Hybrid
- Full-time
Experience Level
- At least one year of relevant experience
- Three (3) years of litigation paralegal experience strongly preferred
Education Level
- Paralegal certificate or degree (completed or in progress)
Salary/Compensations
- $32.42 - $37.47 per hour
About the Company
- 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.
Equal Opportunity
- 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.
