JDC currently offers two projects within Eviction Defense to get involved:

• In our full-scope Eviction Defense project, volunteer attorneys provide representation to clients during their eviction proceedings. These cases provide excellent litigation experience as the procedures are the same as those involved in business litigation--discovery, motions, settlement, and trial-on, at a more manageable level. Before taking cases, volunteers must attend our Introduction to Landlord-Tenant Law training. After attending this free MCLE training, volunteers are asked to commit to representing two clients within a year of the training.

• Our Housing Negotiation Project is our limited-scope project for Eviction Defense. This project provides limited scope representation to individuals and families facing eviction. Representation is limited to settlement conferences only. Unless the attorney volunteers to take the case to trial, the client returns to his self-represented status if the matter isn't settled that day. Volunteer shifts are Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:30 - 4:30 PM at the courthouse. During one shift, a volunteer will represent one to three clients. It is an excellent opportunity to get valuable negotiation experience without a large time commitment. Our volunteers must attend a 2-hour, free training session (MCLE credit will be received) before volunteering for this project. After attending the training, we ask volunteers to commit to 4 afternoon sessions within 6 months.

If you are not yet a JDC volunteer, and want to get involved, please visit our training calendar to get involved, or contact us at probono@sfbar.org.


Through JDC, all volunteers receive:

• Free MCLE-accredited training: JDC offers MCLE-accredited trainings in almost all of its pro bono projects areas. The trainings are free in return for a commitment to providing pro bono assistance to an agreed-upon number of JDC clients within a year following the training. Trainings offer an opportunity to learn a new area of law and develop new areas of expertise.
• Comprehensive training manuals: JDC has a comprehensive online library of training manuals, forms, and other resources that volunteers can consult.
• Mentorship opportunities: Staff and highly experienced volunteers are available to act as mentors to volunteers while they are working with a client.
• Access to all probono.net resources in the Eviction Defense practice area.

What is JDC?
The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) is a program affiliated with The Bar Association of San Francisco, created to provide pro bono legal and related social services to low-income San Francisco families and individuals.

Contact Us:
If you would like more information about volunteering with JDC's Eviction Defense Project, please contact:

probono@sfbar.org
415.782.8996

If you are a client seeking pro bono representation, please call the Lawyer Referral Service at (415) 989-1616.