Josephine L. Alioto
— Veen Firm Partner —
Josephine is a native San Franciscan who is committed to advocating for those who have been oppressed and neglected. Josephine’s Team primarily focuses on representing tenants that have suffered from personal injury and economic loss at the hands of exploitative landlords. Her clients include victims of verbal harassment, physical intimidation, and severe habitability defects. Josephine also represents victims of personal injury, toxic exposure, and discrimination.
Josephine volunteers regularly in the area of eviction defense and has been recognized as an Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service by the Bar Association of San Francisco since 2012. She also proudly serves on the Board of Directors of San Francisco’s Eviction Defense Collaborative, the first organization in the country to provide legal assistance to clients facing an eviction as part of a coordinated, single agency anti-displacement strategy.
Notable Recoveries
$1,700,000
Premises Liability
Tenants dealt with severe building defects and fire, resulting in constructive eviction.
$750,000
Wrongful Eviction
Tenant forced to vacate due to landlord's alleged fraud and coercion.
$415,000
Premises Liability
Habitability case involving excessive indoor humidity and fungal growth.
$400,000
Premises Liability
Fire resulting in displacement of tenants.
$375,000
Premises Liability
Rent-controlled displacement case involving mold and remediation disputes.
$375,000
Premises Liability
Tenant lost rent-controlled housing following persistent mold and leak issues.
$325,000
Landlord-Tenant Injury (Elevator Malfunction)
Settlement — wheelchair user injured in incident involving misleveled elevator.
Amount not public
Antitrust
Plaintiffs challenge tech companies search deal as anticompetitive; Alioto listed as counsel of record.
Amount not public
Antitrust
Private suit challenging a company merger; Alioto listed as counsel.
Amount not public
False Advertising/Unfair Competition
Consumer action alleging misleading practices; Alioto appeared as counsel.
Practice Areas
- Unsafe, uninhabitable, and dangerous conditions
- Mold and other toxic exposures in the home
- Forced move-outs, lockouts, and wrongful evictions
- Landlord harassment and retaliation
- Unlawful rent increases and improper notices
- Housing discrimination and fair housing violations
Education
- University of San Francisco School of Law, San Francisco, California
- J.D. – 2011
- University of California, Davis
- B.A., Bachelor of Arts – 2008
- Major: Sociology
Published Works
- “The Evolution of Tenant Harassment Statutes”, Plaintiff Magazine, 2015
- “The Rent Control Revolution”, Plaintiff Magazine, 2017
Classes & Seminars
- SFTLA New Lawyers Division Ski and CLE, “Tenant Harassment: Obtaining Treble Damages and Attorney Fees Under Local Rent Ordinances” Speaker, 2015
- SFTLA New Lawyers Division Ski and CLE, “Updates in Landlord/Tenant Law” Speaker, 2018
- SFTLA Girl Power: Female Attorneys Blazing Their Own Trials CLE, “Knowing Your Worth: You’re Never Too Young (Or Old) To Reinvent Yourself And Your Career Path” Speaker, 2018
Honors & Awards
- Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service, Bar Association of San Francisco, 2012-2018
- Volunteer Appreciation Award, AIDS Legal Referral Panel, 2014
- Avvo Superb Rating 10.0
Associations & Memberships
- San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, Eviction Defense Collaborative, President
- Consumer Attorneys of California
Previous Positions
- Alioto & Keenan, LLP, Managing Partner and Co-owner
- Lifschitz, Ezrin, Darsky, Alioto Law, Partner
Pro Bono Activities
- Eviction Defense Collaborative, Board of Directors
- Bar Association of San Francisco, Justice and Diversity Center, Volunteer
Ready to Help
Consult with the team about your situation.
Contact
Address: 20 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5pm
Sat, Sun: Closed
Attorneys
Veen Firm 2026