Alex Merchant

Alex Merchant is a San Francisco landlord-tenant lawyer at Elke & Merchant LLP, representing tenants in San Francisco and the Bay Area in disputes with landlords. His work focuses on wrongful eviction, constructive eviction, landlord harassment, failure to repair, and habitability problems. He helps renters understand their rights, respond to pressure from landlords, and pursue fair results when housing conditions or eviction threats cause harm. His practice includes eviction defense, Rent Board matters, and lawsuits that seek compensation for tenants facing unsafe homes, unlawful conduct, or forced moves.

Alex earned his J.D. from Stanford University. He earned his M.A. from the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his B.S. from Iowa State University. While at Stanford Law School, he assisted tenants through the East Palo Alto Community Legal Services Housing Clinic. That work gave him early experience with housing disputes, tenant counseling, and practical legal support for people who needed help protecting stable housing during difficult and stressful conflicts with landlords in court or negotiations.

Alex began his legal career as a litigator at Morrison & Foerster LLP. During that role, he represented San Francisco tenants facing eviction through pro bono work and received a pro bono award for that service. His litigation background supports his ability to assess evidence, prepare claims, negotiate settlements, and present tenant cases with care. He has also served as a volunteer counselor at the San Francisco Tenants Union, helping renters with housing questions and tenant-rights concerns.

Alex Merchant has helped secure millions of dollars in settlements and judgments for clients. His work has supported tenants dealing with harassment, repair failures, eviction threats, and other landlord-tenant conflicts. He has also been recognized as a Northern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine. Alex brings focused tenant-law experience, clear communication, and steady advocacy to renters who need professional help protecting their homes, enforcing their rights, and seeking accountability from landlords in serious housing disputes across the Bay Area with careful case preparation and practical legal guidance.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Elke & Merchant LLP
• Member, California State Bar

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Stanford University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California, Berkeley
  Master of Arts (MA)
• Iowa State University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges