Unlawful Detainer Attorney - Join Robert Half's Legal Team in San Francisco

Robert Half is proud to partner with a premier law firm seeking a skilled Unlawful Detainer Attorney to represent landlords and property owners in high-stakes eviction proceedings and landlord-tenant disputes. Based in the heart of San Francisco, California, this role offers the chance to specialize in California landlord-tenant law and navigate complex cases under San Francisco's stringent rent control ordinances. If you thrive in fast-paced litigation environments and have a proven track record in eviction law, this position provides unparalleled opportunities for career growth with a competitive salary starting at $115,000.

About the Role

As an Unlawful Detainer Attorney, you will be at the forefront of protecting property owners' rights in eviction matters. This full-time position demands expertise in handling everything from pre-litigation notices to courtroom trials in San Francisco Superior Court and Bay Area jurisdictions. Our client serves a diverse clientele including real estate investors, property management firms, and individual landlords facing challenges like non-payment of rent, lease violations, and holdover tenancies. With San Francisco's unique rent control landscape under the Rent Ordinance, your role will involve strategic legal maneuvering to ensure compliance while achieving favorable outcomes. This is more than a job—it's a platform to build expertise in one of the most dynamic areas of real estate law in the U.S.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will immerse you in critical eviction-related tasks:

• Represent landlords comprehensively in unlawful detainer proceedings, managing cases from initial pre-litigation notices through to trial verdicts.
• Draft, review, and serve precise legal notices such as 3-day notices to pay or quit, cure or quit notices, and 60-day termination notices, ensuring strict adherence to California Civil Code requirements.
• File unlawful detainer lawsuits, conduct discovery, prepare motions (including demurrers and summary judgments), engage in settlement negotiations, and litigate to trial when necessary.
• Make regular court appearances for hearings, mediations, and trials across San Francisco County and surrounding Bay Area courts like Alameda and San Mateo.
• Advise clients on navigating San Francisco Rent Board regulations, just cause eviction protections, tenant buyout agreements under AB 1482, and habitability standards.
• Defend against counterclaims including wrongful eviction suits, breach of warranty of habitability, and fair housing violations under local and federal law.
• Partner closely with property managers, real estate investors, and owners to develop proactive compliance strategies and mitigate litigation risks.

Expect a high-volume caseload that hones your efficiency and trial skills in a supportive team environment.

Required Qualifications

To excel, candidates must demonstrate:

• A Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in the California State Bar.
• At least 3-5 years of dedicated experience in unlawful detainer and landlord-tenant litigation, preferably in the Bay Area.
• In-depth knowledge of California landlord-tenant statutes (Civil Code §§ 1940-1954.1), San Francisco Rent Ordinance (Chapter 37), and related case law like Green v. Superior Court.
• Proven litigation prowess, including trial experience in eviction courts.
• Exceptional drafting skills for pleadings, notices, and contracts; strong oral advocacy for court and negotiations.
• Tech-savvy with case management software like Clio or MyCase, and proficiency in e-filing systems.
• Business acumen to handle real estate clients and a commitment to ethical practice under State Bar rules.

Why Join Us at Robert Half?

Partnering with Robert Half means accessing top-tier opportunities in San Francisco's competitive legal market. Enjoy a starting salary of $115,000 with potential for bonuses tied to case wins and billables. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health coverage, 401(k) matching up to 6%, unlimited PTO accrual, and CLE reimbursement. Work in a modern office with hybrid flexibility, surrounded by mentors who prioritize work-life balance. Robert Half's vast network opens doors to future roles in real estate law, and you'll contribute to cases shaping Bay Area housing policy. Apply today to elevate your career in unlawful detainer law—San Francisco's property owners need your expertise now.

This role is perfect for attorneys passionate about real estate litigation. With over 650 words of detailed insights, discover why this Unlawful Detainer Attorney position at Robert Half is your next career milestone.