Contracted Attorney – Unlawful Detainer and Affirmative Litigation (santa cruz)

Location: Santa Cruz, CA (partial remote, in-person meeting with clients and court appearances) Compensation: $75,000 — $110,000 yearly Compensation is based on anticipated grant funding for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Employment Status: This is a contractor position. Application Deadline: Open until filled. Applications should be received by June 27, 2025, to be considered for the first round of interviews. Please send a resume and two professional references to coordinator@tenantsanctuary.org. Who we are: Tenant Sanctuary is a tenants’ rights education and support organization based in Santa Cruz, California. Our mission is to provide counseling to tenants to assist them in understanding and asserting their rights. With the position listed in this posting, we are expanding our work to include pro bono legal assistance to tenants in unlawful detainer and affirmative litigation and administrative proceedings. This position is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious attorney with the right skill set to help prevent homelessness and improve tenant security in a community with one of the highest rent burdens in the country. Purpose of the job: Tenant Sanctuary seeks a Contracted Attorney who will work in Santa Cruz County. The Attorney’s responsibilities will concentrate on the following areas: ● representing tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings and affirmative civil litigation ● advising tenants on presenting cases in Small Claims Court ● consulting with staff and volunteer tenant advisers and counselors on information provided to tenants Minimum Qualifications: ● Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school ● California State Bar membership in good standing ● Either: five (5) years’ general civil litigation experience (including motion practice, discovery, and court appearances), OR three (3) years’ experience representing tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings. Desired Qualifications: ● Demonstrated experience defending tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings and representing tenants in affirmative civil litigation ● Background in pro-bono representation of low-income tenants/clients ● Background as a litigating attorney based in a non-profit organization ● Experience or interest in establishing or contributing to the expansion of a law practice in a non-profit setting ● Experience in evaluating and prioritizing potential affirmative litigation from an impact perspective ● Demonstrated ability to handle a busy docket ● Sensitivity to the needs of clients experiencing financial and housing precarity and persons with disabilities ● Ability to think creatively about potential legal solutions in the context of landlord/tenant disputes ● English and Spanish-language fluency