By Tim Clark
Shirley Gibson was many things—fierce advocate, patient teacher, brilliant attorney, mentor to many, stalwart colleague, and exposer of liars. But those who worked with her pair praise of her legal accomplishments with observations about her humanity: Hilarious, humble, deeply principled, empathetic, tactful, self-deprecating, outgoing, exceptionally compassionate, and a down-home Mississippi soul.
“Shirley blazed like the sun,” wrote tenant attorney Monique Doryland, as vividly as any of Shirley’s many colleagues and community partners who offered quotes for this article.
Her career was too brief, shortened by breast cancer that finally took her at age 49. Born in Mississippi and a graduate of Reed College, she studied law at the New College of California School of Public Interest Law in San Francisco. She began her career as a public interest attorney with the Eviction Defense Collaborative. In 2007, she joined the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County to develop its housing program, rising to directing attorney in 2011.
Shirley was a community-minded collaborator, litigating housing justice cases with co-counsel across the state and working on projects with government agencies, social services organizations, and tenant advocates while building Legal Aid SMC’s eviction defense practice. Her teammates outside as well as inside Legal Aid SMC offered testimonials.
Tenants’ rights were at the core of Shirley’s legal practice, starting with her first public interest law job with Eviction Defense Collaborative.
“I knew her in the 90s at the Eviction Defense Collaborative, and then she jumped in to help on disaster issues as well. It seemed like she was everywhere. What I so appreciated about Shirley was how much she knew and did, and yet how self-deprecating she was. She managed to teach you things while somehow making you feel like you were still smart and knew things, and thus empowering you to actually become smart and know things.”—Tiela Chalmers, Alameda County Bar Association and Legal Access Alameda
“We had to work Christmas Eve one time, and I'll never forget how Shirley brought us all food and drink to show us her appreciation.”—Ryan D. Murphy, Eviction Defense Collaborative
When Shirley came to Legal Aid SMC in 2007, more than half of eviction cases filed by San Mateo County landlords were uncontested, meaning tenants received default judgments and were rapidly displaced. Within a few years, thanks to Shirley’s vision and hard work, the default rate in San Mateo County eviction cases had fallen to 35%.
“Shirley was an amazing, selfless advocate. She had such an enormous impact on the lives of tenants in San Mateo County, first by leading a team that significantly reduced the default rate in eviction cases and then by building on that work to help create a strong network of lawyers and organizers working together to fight displacement and homelessness in Silicon Valley. She was a mentor and ally for us as we built our own housing team and worked collaboratively with Shirley to defend tenants. Shirley had a wry sense of humor, an amazing memory for minute details about civil procedure and landlord-tenant law, and quick insight about how we can all do better for our clients. Her influence on a generation of tenants rights' advocates in the Bay Area -- and throughout California -- was real.”—Jason Tarricone, Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto
As Shirley was building her housing team at Legal Aid SMC in the late 2000s, the foreclosure crisis turned many former homeowners into tenants at risk of eviction by out-of-town banks.
“I first got to know Shirley during the foreclosure crisis when I was just starting out and we were all trying to defend against these big corporate monster banks. She would take everything to trial and prove the process servers were liars on the stand. We all knew they were lying but she was the one who held them accountable. She inspired me to fight harder and be more courageous in my advocacy. Shirley was so fierce, such a badass and such a warrior for our clients – and also an incredibly kind person and wonderful friend.”—Madeline Howard, Western Center on Law & Poverty
One of Shirley’s key legal battles was a class action lawsuit that protected more than 80 lowincome families living in a Redwood City mobile home park from illegal rent increases.
“I always felt incredibly honored to have worked closely with Shirley on a case fighting to protect mobile home residents from abusive, exploitative rent increases. Over five years of litigation, I had the privilege of witnessing Shirley’s smarts, incredible humor and wit, and ferocity on behalf of her clients. And of course, got an education in an array of Mississippi sayings. Her passing feels like a punch in the gut.”—Navneet Grewal, Disability Rights California
“All of us at Western Center considered ourselves fortunate to work with Shirley. She was smart, diligent and committed to doing what was best for her clients. But it is much more important to speak of Shirley, the person, rather than Shirley, the attorney. She was kind, deeply principled and funny at the same time. Who knew that Unitarians could be such good company. Shirley often spoke with such pride of her husband and her two children. We will miss her.”—Robert Newman, Western Center on Law & Poverty
Shirley led a challenge to the City of Pacifica’s 2019 ordinance barring oversized vehicles from parking on many streets. Concerned about the impact of the ban on vulnerable residents living in their recreational vehicles, Shirley invited civil rights advocates to join the fight.
“She told me, ‘I would hate to let this slide.’ She did not let it slide, and we had the privilege of litigating this case with her through its settlement and her passing. Shirley was a fierce and compassionate advocate for our clients and the houseless of San Mateo County. She was also an amazing colleague – smart and passionate, but also always witty and fun, and exceptionally humble despite her vast experience, knowledge, and history of cutting-edge advocacy. We have lost one of the greats in the legal profession, and we have lost a dear friend.”—Thomas Zito, Disability Rights Advocates
“From the very beginning, we knew we had the best advocate and leader imaginable in Shirley. She was passionate, committed, and determined. She cared deeply about the dignity of our clients, and her knowledge and insights made us a far better team. Although it’s clear now that she must have been very ill throughout our work, her energy never let up, and she maintained her high spirits, sharp wit, and wonderful sense of humor throughout. The legal profession has lost a superb practitioner, people in San Mateo County who are fighting for housing have lost a wonderful champion, and we have lost a dear friend. Rest in power, Shirley.”—William S. Freeman, ACLU Foundation of Northern California
Shirley collaborated with Redwood City officials and community members through the Partnership for the Bay’s Future, a regional effort to advance housing solutions.
“Shirley was integral to so many housing efforts in our community. She had a wonderful combination of knowledge, empathy and tact that invariably led to stuff getting done.”— Margaret Becker, Redwood City Housing and Human Concerns Committee
“Shirley never shied away from the difficult work of helping tenants and the unhoused, not only helping the tenants but also any advocate who needed it. She was an empathic and compassionate lawyer with a strong work ethic. This is a tremendous loss for all of us who knew her personally and for all the unhoused residents and tenants whose lives were made immeasurably better by the work that Shirley poured her heart and soul into. We'll honor her by continuing to advocate as fiercely as she did.”—One Redwood City
“I am very grateful to work with and learn from Shirley over the years. I admire how intelligent, collaborative, passionate and empathetic she was. She was a great community partner and a huge asset to the Redwood City community and broader San Mateo County.”—Alin Lancaster, City of Redwood City
“She embodied what it meant to be a champion for the underserved. I was always impressed by how skillfully she could take action on what needed to be done in the short term while never losing sight of the long-term arc of our housing work. Our whole team at the Partnership for the Bay's Future mourns Shirley's passing.”—Aysha Pamukcu, San Francisco Foundation
Shirley’s work in the community and the courtroom flowed beyond those she directly touched.
“Shirley will be remembered as a fearless advocate for our immigrant community, and by me for her tireless work for the residents of 855 Barron Avenue Mobile Home park. Shirley was an expert on the myriad and complex state laws regarding tenant protection, and she often shared very helpful thoughts/suggestions on what the County might do in this space, including in response to the COVID 19 public health emergency.”—Supervisor Warren Slocum, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors
“We can't underestimate Shirley's national reach either. An attorney from Legal Aid in west Texas convinced me to track down the paper copy of an abstract of judgment against her client who had relocated from California because she went to law school with Shirley, and ‘Shirley said you'd help.’"—Oliver Ehlinger, Legal Services of Northern California
Shirley’s singular presence left a mark on many others whose paths she crossed.
“Shirley Gibson is a giant. In the brief time I worked with her back when I was at the Stanford Community Law Clinic, she became one of my favorite people in the world – she knew everything, she was so generous with her time, and her laugh! It was infectious. No matter how bananas a case, she approached it with good humor, and made an enormous difference in countless lives - those of her clients and her colleagues. I wish I had told her what a difference she made in mine.”—Nisha Vyas, Western Center on Law & Poverty
“As an attorney and advocate, Shirley was brilliant, creative, and fearless. As a colleague and friend, she was all of those things but also kind, supportive, humble, and truly hilarious. I echo others' reflections that Shirley had an amazing way of making people feel valued and appreciated. She was one of my all-time heroes.”—Melissa A. Morris, The Public Interest Law Project
“I knew her for many years through Faith in Action and I am very sad that she is no longer with us. Shirley was a dedicated and talented attorney, but her true gift to the community was how she served the community - with her presence and understanding, her love for people and her dedication and passion for justice. May the goodness she put out into the world, ripple out to people and places we may never know.”—Ellen Hage
Among those she regularly collaborated with, Shirley built strong bonds.
“Shirley was such an amazing woman, fierce advocate, and all-around intelligent, gentle, caring human being. She continued to battle and advocate for our community to the very end, guiding us in how to best help our folks stay housed in spite of the pandemic. We will carry her spirit forward as we continue her legacy. She has certainly left her mark on me as an individual, our community center, our colleagues in the City and County, and on our community. We are all blessed for having known her.”—Teri Chin, Fair Oaks Community Center
“I will never forget working with Shirley on the creation of the Rural Justice Initiative to do housing pro bono clinics on the coast of San Mateo County. Her good humor, strategic thinking, brilliance, and commitment to clients and the work shone through every moment. In working out of mobile units jam-packed full of books and random supplies in the parking lot of a partner organization, she was unflappable and fully dedicated. The legal aid world is less vibrant without her and there is a huge gap that will not be filled.”—Julia R. Wilson, The John Paul Stevens Fellowship Foundation
“Shirley was a wonderful person and a determined advocate. Shirley was one of those people who, through sheer force of will, could make the impossible happen. She was an incredibly effective advocate for housing rights and social justice. We are so grateful for the time we spent together - learning from her, being inspired by her, and cheering her on as she made our world more just.”—Phil Hwang, OneJustice
“Shirley was an inspiration to me. She was a rare combination of conviction, exceptional ability, kindness, and grace. She helped so many people live with dignity. The people who worked with her adored her. She will be missed at Legal Aid.”—Janice Tam, Legal Aid SMC Board
Shirley’s clients were grateful to have her standing beside them as they fought for their homes.
“Thank you for donating to my go-fund-me account. I’m putting up prayers everyday for you to continue kicking landlord asses.”—card from client
“I’m so sorry to hear about Shirley’s passing. She was like the tall Viking warrior woman on Game of Thrones. We will miss her so very very much.”—voicemail from client
Shirley inspired a new generation of public interest attorneys.
“I am grateful that I was able to work under and learn from Shirley at Legal Aid during my first year as a lawyer. She approached her work as a tenants' rights advocate with incredible dedication, passion, and joy. I will keep my memories of her and the lessons that she taught me for the rest of my career. Thank you, Shirley.”—Ashley Luo, Legal Aid SMC Orrick Fellow 2021
“I learned so much from Shirley when I had the opportunity to work with her during my 1L summer. As the official “biggest pain in the ass in the entire state of California,” she was an inspiration to many young public interest lawyers who aspire to be zealous advocates for the underserved. I consider myself very lucky to have learned from her.”—Leah Kennedy, Legal Aid SMC Carl L. McConnell Summer Fellow 2020
“Shirley brought love, warmth, joy, and brilliance to everything she did. Her joyful attitude towards life and service was contagious and irresistible. When supervising, she fostered a supportive and growth-oriented culture among her team. At the weekly housing clinics, she set the tone for creating a welcoming and nurturing space for tenants seeking assistance, often in crisis. She modeled how to treat each client with humanity, empathy, and humility. When representing clients, she consistently demonstrated how to be a fierce advocate for those that needed it most. She inspired those around her to be better advocates and better humans. She embodied the meaning of service. She generously gave all she could as an attorney, colleague, mentor, and friend. She impacted and influenced so many around her in the best possible way.” —Lacei Amodei, Legal Aid SMC Project Coordinator 2016-2018, aspiring attorney
“Shirley was my supervisor when I was a Skadden Fellow a decade ago. She taught me so much about life and lawyering. In reflecting on her passing, I keep remembering a quote usually attributed to Fred Rogers: "Frankly, there isn't anyone you couldn't learn to love once you've heard their story." Shirley embodied that spirit. She loved all people, and she encountered each person she met with compassion, never judgment. In fact, the more broken, damaged, or downtrodden a client was, the more Shirley embraced them. But it wasn't some white lady savior thing. Rather, I think for Shirley it was a recognition that our imperfections, flaws, and failures make us human but do not detract from our value, beauty, or worthiness of love.”— Larisa Bowman, Legal Aid SMC Skadden Fellow 2011-2013
Those who had the privilege of working with Shirley every day admired and adored her.
“Shirley was the heart of Legal Aid's Housing Team for fourteen years, an outstanding advocate for vulnerable people at risk of losing their housing, and a passionate voice for stronger protections for tenants in San Mateo County and across the state. She was an amazing colleague and a strong supporter of her staff. Shirley will be sorely missed, taken way before her time when she still had so much to give; but we can all go forward carrying on the work for the cause that she lived for, in her honor, and using her energy and passion as our inspiration.”—David Carducci, Legal Aid SMC
“Shirley carried the torch for the next generation of change-makers who commit their whole selves to making their communities a better place. She inspired many with her courage, her intelligence, her wit, and her grace.”—Hope Nakamura, Legal Aid SMC
“From the moment I heard that Shirley Gibson had applied for a housing attorney position at the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, I was thrilled! I knew Shirley was a graduate of New College and a student of Ora Prochovnick who was one of her references. Stacey asked my opinion and I was a firm yes! I knew she would be the one to grow the housing program that our clients needed! And she did, of course with her steadiness, her willingness to mentor new attorneys and her fierce commitment to justice! Though she left us too soon she has left a legacy and a strong housing program that will continue on into the future. Thank you Shirley for being the amazing person you were and for sharing that with the rest of the world.” —Janet Seldon, Legal Aid SMC 2005-2020
“Everyone reading this knows that Shirley was an amazing lawyer, but she was an even better friend. We met at Legal Aid in 2007 and have been friends ever since. Shirley’s life provides a roadmap anyone would be lucky to follow: Surround yourself with people you love and who love you, use your talents to make the world a better place, never miss a chance to help someone in need, give generously, take risks, be humble, trust that tiaras go with everything, always have a good book at hand, and find the humor in everything.” —Amanda Barden, Legal Aid SMC 2007-2012
"I had the privilege of closely working with Shirley for over five years. From my very first day, I realized how much of an amazing woman she was – smart, strong, funny, gentle, and most of all, caring. She cared for everyone – family, friends, work colleagues and clients. What made Shirley truly special was that she made people feel cared for. I vividly remember the way she provided legal advice to our clients at our housing clinics and outreach events. She patiently responded to every question each client had, and clients felt heard, understood, and helped. She gave her all – her heart and her soul – to everything she did at the office, from planning someone's welcome party to arguing a summary judgment motion in Court for a class action lawsuit. The moment I heard that we had lost Shirley, I felt an emptiness and my heart broke. But I soon realized that her love, energy, enthusiasm, and passion will live with us and through us forever, and that we must continue fighting the good fight. Most of the things I know about housing eviction defense, I learned from Shirley. This is not an ending, but a beginning. Much love to you Shirley Elizabeth Gibson. We miss you dearly over here!" —Maria Chatterjee, Legal Aid SMC
“Shirley was a visionary, that rare person who both saw the big picture and could connect disparate pieces to make her vision a reality. She was the quintessential public interest attorney, equally at home arguing arcane details of mobile home law and explaining to a group of clergy why rental assistance for landlords was good for their congregants. She was a dedicated partner, working with other housing advocates to ensure sure scarce legal resources were focused on low-income tenants who couldn’t afford to lose their homes. I was privileged to work alongside Shirley for fourteen years. She was a brilliant and inspiring leader who taught me so much about building and nurturing a team. I will miss her vision, her wisdom, her fire, her kindness, and her humor.”—Stacey Hawver, Legal Aid SMC
“All of us who knew Shirley knew her to be the fiercest, funniest, and most generous colleague and friend we could ever have dreamed of. I personally learned everything I know from her, and I know I'm not alone. Carrying on without her is vaguely unimaginable, and yet I know we must and that she'd want nothing else. May her memory be a blessing. Onward.”—Juliet M. Brodie, Stanford Law School