Senior Paralegal, Housing Rights

Location: San Francisco, CA. This is a hybrid role requiring in-office work 2 days a week. Applications are due by Fri. Aug. 21.

About the Role

The Senior Paralegal supports attorneys in the Housing Rights Program, providing representation and legal services to low-income tenants, many of whom are Limited English Proficient (LEP) and immigrants. This role plays a key role in advocating for and delivering impactful legal services to clients.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $90,270.72 to $101,599.92. Eligible for language premiums of $1,500 annually for demonstrated oral or written proficiency in a non-English language regularly used in job duties.

• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Generous vacation and paid holidays
  • Medical, dental, disability, and life insurance (ALC covers 100% of employee premiums and 75% for qualified dependents)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401K retirement plan with employer non-elective contribution and match

Responsibilities

• Provide litigation support, including preparing briefs, discovery, forms, and correspondence
• File documents with courts, maintain case documents, and update data for grant reporting
• Conduct legal research, interview clients and witnesses, identify legal issues, and provide interpretation support
• Under attorney supervision, prepare responsive pleadings, stay of execution requests, ex parte applications, noticed motions, and other legal briefs
• Draft correspondence to clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel
• File documents primarily through e-filing with local California Superior Courts and federal courts, and arrange service of process
• Assist attorneys with discovery, document review, organizing exhibits, and summarizing depositions and evidence
• Provide hearing and trial support, including assembling binders, organizing exhibits, and assisting attorneys during hearings and trials
• Conduct initial client interviews, gather case facts, and coordinate witness schedules
• Identify and assess legal issues, perform legal research on California statutes, case law, and court rules
• Maintain electronic case notes, court deadlines, and files using legal management software (e.g., Clio) and other databases
• Prepare retainers and other forms, and organize documents in SharePoint
• Assist with administrative and clerical duties, including data entry for program evaluation and grant reporting, copying, filing, processing invoices, and documenting financial transactions
• Help secure interpreters and translators or provide interpretation among clients, attorneys, and volunteers (if bilingual)
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required

Requirements

• Five or more years of experience working as a paralegal, including in tenant defense
• Strong understanding of California Rules of Court, local court rules, and legal terminology
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and/or immigrant communities, preferably with knowledge of tenant legal issues
• Excellent written, verbal, and communication skills
• Well-organized, highly motivated, detail-oriented, and a creative problem-solver
• Able to work with a high level of independence and demonstrated ability to steer cases and projects on own initiative, as well as in a team-oriented environment
• Able to work on several projects simultaneously, handle high volume and pace while staying calm under pressure, and remain flexible
• Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program preferred
• Familiarity with case management systems (e.g., Clio) is a plus

Qualifications

• Fluency in Cantonese, Mandarin, and/or Spanish (highly desirable)
• Experience working with individuals whose primary language is not English, those with disabilities, individuals experiencing crisis, or those living in poverty
• Experience working in a non-profit legal service or other direct service environment
• Ability to provide culturally-sensitive, trauma-informed, and empathetic services

About the Organization

The Asian Law Caucus (ALC) is the nation’s first legal organization focusing on advancing and defending the civil rights of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. Since 1972, ALC has fought for access to affordable housing in San Francisco’s Chinatown, litigated high-profile civil rights cases, advocated for landmark policy changes, and provided services including community education, advocacy, and direct client representation. The organization works across Housing Rights, Workers’ Rights, Immigrant Justice, and National Democracy Initiative programs, as well as other emerging areas of law.

This position is included in the collective bargaining unit represented by CWA Local 9410 and reports to the Housing Rights Program Managing Attorney.