Senior Paralegal/ Litigation Clerk

EDC JOB DESCRIPTION 

JOB PURPOSE 

The Senior Litigation Paralegal is an integral part of the Right to Counsel Program, providing advanced legal and client support to Litigation attorneys representing tenants facing eviction. In keeping with EDC’s barrier-free and client-centered approach, this role requires strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to engage with clients in crisis in a respectful and supportive manner.  

The Senior Paralegal works closely with RADCo (Rental Assistance) and Litigation staff to ensure clients are supported in their efforts to secure rental and/or litigation assistance. The Senior Paralegal will primarily be tasked with providing advanced legal support to EDC’s Litigation Attorneys in their work representing tenants facing eviction. In addition to providing advanced legal support work, the Senior Paralegal will assist the Paralegal Supervisor in mentoring and training team members, supporting new staff onboarding, and contributing to continuous improvement of paralegal services. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Paralegal Team Support Duties (10%) 

• Assist with training, mentoring, and supporting paralegal team members.
• Help recruit, hire, onboard, and train paralegals, volunteers, and interns.
• Assist department with the management of 3rd party vendors
• Help maintain the litigation department law library
• In collaboration with the Paralegal Supervisor, coordinate development of new tools, resources, and internal process improvements, including the development of new templates for legal pleadings and motions.

Legal Services Duties (70%) 

• Assist in responding to and propounding discovery.
• Review legal documents, including the work product of litigation paralegals
• Prepare advanced legal documents under attorney supervision, including responsive pleadings, ex parte applications, noticed motions, and other necessary pleadings.
• Maintain and update client files and internal database.
• Conduct client intakes, interviews, and follow-up appointments
• Participate in regular skills-based training sessions and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
• Provide complex litigation support, including trial preparation and accompanying attorneys to court hearings to shadow proceedings.
• Work with attorneys and other EDC staff to train and supervise volunteers and interns in legal processes and client services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Administrative Duties (20%) 

• Attend and actively contribute to weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and relevant supervision meetings.
• Ensure accurate, timely data entry to support program evaluation and outcomes tracking.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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

Below are the minimum qualifications:  

• Must meet state requirements to perform paralegal work in California as defined in the California Business and Professions Code §6450 including one of the following:
  • Completion of a paralegal certificate program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), or
  • Completion of 24 semester units of paralegal education at a state-approved or accredited institution, or
  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree in any field combined with one year of law-related experience under the supervision of a three-year California-licensed lawyer or a lawyer working in California’s federal courts
• At least two years of experience drafting legal documents, supporting litigation efforts, and managing case files in a legal setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft and proofread legal documents and convey complex information clearly.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and sound judgement.
• Experience working directly with individuals from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, with an understanding of the systemic barriers they may face.
• Ability to exercise discretion, handle sensitive information appropriately, and provide compassionate service to clients in crisis
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and other office software; experience managing online calendars and setting appointments.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• At least three (3) years of litigation paralegal experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working in housing justice, legal aid, or social services settings.
• Salesforce or other legal/case management database experience 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 interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues as well as the ability to ask sensitive questions with empathy and put clients at ease.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Strong listening skills and ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Strong project management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with a high volume of activity.

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. 

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. 

This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, and termination. EDC does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. 

DIRECT REPORTS 

The Senior Paralegal will not supervise any employee. 

COMPENSATION 

Pay Range: $32.69–$37.50 per hour (approximately $68,000.00–$78,000.00 annually), in accordance with the NOLSW-UAW Local 2320 and EDC Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). 

Pay may be increased by $1,000 per year of relevant prior work 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, non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable federal and state law. 

Multilingual Stipend: EDC offers a multilingual stipend of $125 per month ($1,500 per year) 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 may be 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