Tenant Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ADVOCATE FOR TENANTS. STAND UP FOR THE GOOD GUYS. MAKE AN IMPACT.

We get to help the good guys. Our clients are often low-income and working-class tenants who have been wronged by landlords or others in positions of power. We believe everyone deserves strong advocacy when they’re being treated unfairly, and we’re proud to fight for people who need someone in their corner.

Wolford Wayne LLP

San Francisco, CA | Financial District

Hybrid | Starting at $155,000 + Performance Bonus

ABOUT THE FIRM

We are a boutique plaintiff-side tenant law firm in San Francisco’s Financial District. Our 12-person team represents residential tenants in constructive eviction, habitability claims, and lease buyout negotiations.

We have built a strong reputation through years of successful advocacy for our clients. At the same time, we intentionally remain a small firm. That means you’re not just another attorney on a large team — your voice matters, your ideas are heard, and your contributions can make a real difference in how we practice law and serve our clients.

We’re trial lawyers who believe in the work — and we’re growing.

WHY JOIN WOLFORD WAYNE LLP?

• Meaningful, Impactful Work — Help tenants protect their homes and hold landlords accountable.
• Hands-On Litigation — Manage your own caseload and take ownership of cases from start to finish.
• Trial Readiness & Development — Develop strong litigation and trial skills, with opportunities to take on increasing responsibility and prepare cases for trial when appropriate.
• Collaborative Team — Work alongside a small, experienced team of dedicated plaintiff-side attorneys.
• Hybrid Flexibility — Enjoy a flexible hybrid work environment.
• Professional Growth — Take on increasing responsibility while developing your litigation and trial skills.

THE ROLE

This position is for a Senior Litigation Attorney with 6+ years of California civil litigation experience. Experience may be on either the plaintiff or defense side. Housing or tenant law experience is a plus, but not required.

The right fit will have strong litigation instincts, excellent legal writing skills, sound judgment, and a genuine desire to advocate for individuals. You’ll have the opportunity to manage your own caseload, take on meaningful responsibility, and grow toward first-chair trial opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage a personal caseload from inception through resolution, with a focus on constructive eviction and lease buyout matters.
• Draft and argue motions, pleadings, discovery, and other litigation documents.
• Take and defend depositions.
• Appear in San Francisco Superior Court and other Bay Area venues.
• Handle law and motion matters.
• Participate in trial preparation and second-chair trials, with opportunities to take first-chair responsibility as you develop.
• Communicate directly with clients and build strong, trusted client relationships.
• Collaborate with the team to develop effective case strategies.
• +++worth adding something about mentoring junior staff and attorneys?
• ++add something about networking /marketing expectations?

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for a dynamic, intellectually curious, and highly motivated litigator who can confidently manage their own caseload while contributing to a collaborative team.

Please note: California civil litigation experience is required. Candidates without this background will not be considered.

• Experience: 6+ years of California civil litigation experience, plaintiff or defense side, including depositions, law and motion practice, case management, trial preparation and trial experience
• Bar Membership: Active California Bar membership in good standing.
• Education: J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Litigation Skills: Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and courtroom skills.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Independence: Ability to manage a caseload autonomously while working effectively within a small team.

BONUS POINTS FOR

• Proficiency in Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese.
• Experience with landlord/tenant law or plaintiff-side litigation.
• A demonstrated interest in public interest law or tenant rights.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Base Salary: Starting salary at $155K, depending on experience.
• Annual Bonus: Performance-based annual bonus.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k).
• Time Off: PTO.
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid remote schedule.

READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?

If you’re an experienced California litigator looking for meaningful work, greater ownership, and a path toward first-chair trial opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

We understand the complexities of navigating new opportunities in the legal space. You can trust that all employment inquiries are kept strictly confidential.

Job Type: Full-time