Experienced Unlawful Detainer Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Experienced Landlord-Tenant/Unlawful Detainer Attorney

You Already Know Unlawful Detainer. Now Take the Next Step.

Kendall Law is looking for an experienced California attorney who knows landlord-tenant law representing Landlord/Property Owners and handles unlawful detainer litigation on the landlord side, and is ready for more.

This is not an entry-level position, and we are not looking for someone we need to teach how an eviction works.

We are looking for an attorney who can take ownership of a file, understand the client's objective, identify the issues, move the case forward, and see it through resolution. Kendall Law has a strong support system consisting of paralegals, an intake specialist, case manager, case management software, and other technology. 

You may currently be practicing in a high-volume landlord-side firm where you have become very good at unlawful detainer work—but are ready for greater ownership, more sophisticated matters, stronger client relationships, and an opportunity to expand your litigation skills.

That's what this position is designed to offer.

Kendall Law is a growing Southern California real estate law firm representing property owners, landlords, property managers, investors, and businesses.

Our practice extends beyond eviction work.

We help clients with landlord-tenant matters, property compliance, unlawful detainers, habitability disputes, and complex real estate and civil litigation.

Compensation:

$175,000 – $190,000 base depending on experience and demonstrated ability

Responsibilities:

What You'll Do

You will assume meaningful responsibility for a portfolio of landlord-tenant and unlawful detainer matters, including:

• Reviewing leases, notices, ledgers, and supporting documentation;

• Evaluating cases before filing and identifying potential legal or procedural problems;

• Drafting and reviewing unlawful detainer complaints and other pleadings;

• Managing contested unlawful detainer litigation;

• Propounding and responding to discovery;

• Drafting and opposing motions;

• Preparing for and attending court appearances;

• Negotiating settlements and move-out agreements;

• Preparing cases for trial and conducting unlawful detainer trials;

• Communicating directly with landlords, property managers, and institutional clients;

• Developing case strategy and keeping matters moving toward resolution; and

• Taking responsibility for deadlines, client expectations, and the overall progression of your files.

As you grow with the firm, you will also have opportunities to work on broader real estate litigation matters, including habitability disputes, contract matters, property disputes, quiet title, partition, and other civil litigation.

What Success Looks Like

• Success in this role isn't simply billing hours.

• It means becoming someone the firm and clients can rely upon.

• Your files move.

• Your clients know what is happening.

• Deadlines don't surprise you.

• Problems are identified early.

• You take responsibility for strategy and outcomes.

And when a matter becomes contested, you are comfortable stepping forward and handling it.

If you are an experienced landlord-side attorney who is ready for greater ownership, better compensation, and the opportunity to build beyond high-volume unlawful detainer practice, we'd like to talk with you.

Qualifications:

• Active California Bar license in good standing (required)

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

• Minimum 3 years of experience in civil litigation, including depositions, mediations, and court appearances. Experience handling landlord-tenant and/or unlawful detainer matters is strongly preferred.

• Prior real estate litigation experience required

• Knowledge of property management, land use, title insurance, and business law preferred

• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

• Strong written, analytical, and communication skills

Who We're Looking For

The ideal candidate has approximately 3–7 years of California landlord-tenant and/or unlawful detainer experience, but we will consider an attorney with additional experience who is a strong fit for the role.

You should already be comfortable independently handling a substantial portion of an unlawful detainer case.

We are particularly interested in attorneys who have:

• Significant California unlawful detainer experience;

• Experience representing landlords and property owners;

• Managed their own caseload;

• Handled contested unlawful detainers;

• Appeared regularly in court;

• Conducted bench trials;

• Experience with discovery and motion practice;

• Strong legal writing skills;

• Good judgment and attention to detail;

• The ability to communicate confidently with clients; and

• A genuine desire to take greater ownership of their cases and career.

This May Be the Right Move If...

• You've become very good at unlawful detainer work, but you don't want the next five years of your career to look exactly like the last five.

• You want to be trusted with files rather than simply assigned tasks.

• You want clients to know who you are.

• You want to understand the strategy behind the case—not simply process the next step.

• You want exposure to broader real estate litigation.

• And you want your compensation and opportunities to reflect the experience you've already developed.

We are willing to pay competitively for an attorney who can step in and independently take ownership of a significant unlawful detainer caseload.

Your compensation package will include hybrid flexibility, paid holidays, paid sick time, bar dues and CLE fees paid, benefits coverage, and a bonus structure. 

About Company

Why Attorneys Choose Kendall Law

We’re intentional about how we practice law—and how we treat our people.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation and sustainable billing expectations

• Direct mentorship and access to firm leadership

• Well-defined systems, templates, and workflows

• A professional, respectful, and team-oriented culture

• A long-term opportunity to grow—not just fill a seat

The Perks

• Fully paid dental and vision

• Medical Insurance with Kendall Law covering approximately 80% of the monthly premium.

• 401(k) Retirement Plans

• Paid holidays

• Accrued vacation time

• Team-building events and team lunches

Our philosophy is simple:

From Compliance to Courtroom — Ensuring Landlords Stay Protected, Prepared, and Prevail.

We believe great legal work requires more than processing cases. It requires ownership, judgment, communication, strategy, and accountability.

Kendall Law is an equal opportunity employer.