Consumer Reporting and Data Advocacy Attorney

The National Consumer Law Center® (NCLC) is seeking an attorney to work for economic and racial justice for low-income and other disadvantaged communities as a member of NCLC’s consumer reporting and data advocacy team. The attorney will advocate for the rights of low-income and other disadvantaged communities against abuses by the credit reporting companies and other consumer data traffickers, such as tenant and employment screening companies and data brokers.

This is a full-time position. The attorney will work to prevent the harm caused by shoddy, inaccurate consumer reporting and to prevent the weaponization of their data against low-income individuals and communities. Key focuses include combating errors, bias, abuses, and racial inequity in credit reports and in background checks and ensuring that data, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and other new technologies will help, not hurt, low-income people and communities.

To achieve these aims, the attorney will engage in federal and state-level legislative and agency-based advocacy; research, analyze, and write on relevant legal and policy issues for public-facing NCLC reports and policy briefs; meet with and respond to requests other advocacy organizations, industry groups, and the media; participate in building and supporting coalition-based advocacy efforts; and support impact litigation (note this is not a position within our litigation team, but may provide opportunities to help develop and support relevant litigation). The attorney also will provide training, education, and support to the field, including by writing and updating relevant chapters of NCLC’s legal practice manuals; offering legal and technical support to private and civil legal aid attorneys, consumer advocates, and government officials; and contributing to webinars and in-person training sessions. Although the attorney in this position will focus primarily on consumer reporting and data fairness issues, they will work on other consumer law areas as the need arises.

NCLC has a preference for candidates who will be based at our Boston headquarters, but candidates who would work remotely or from our Washington, DC office may be considered. NCLC advocacy staff based on our Boston and DC offices work a hybrid schedule requiring at least 2 days in the office. Some travel is required for meetings, presentations, and conferences. Remote staff are expected to travel to the Boston and DC offices occasionally. Relocation assistance is available for new hires who wish to locate to the Boston or DC office.

Founded in 1969, NCLC is a nonprofit, public interest advocacy organization that seeks to build economic security and family wealth for low-income and other economically disadvantaged Americans. NCLC is a leading source of legal and public policy expertise on consumer issues for lawyers, federal and state policymakers, consumer advocates, journalists, and front-line service providers. For more information, please see our website at www.nclc.org.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A law degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar in good standing in at least one state.
• At least 3 years of legal experience.
• Experience with public interest law.
• Demonstrated commitment to working on behalf of disadvantaged individuals and communities and to racial justice.
• Experience with consumer law, including in direct representation of clients in a legal services program, is preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues inside and outside NCLC.
• Ability to think creatively, be strategic, exercise sound judgment, and balance competing priorities.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the demonstrated ability to analyze and write about complex legal and public policy issues.
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to engage with a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse coalitions, including the ability to build connections between people and organizations to advance shared goals.

The National Consumer Law Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and believes that diversity strengthens our work. Employment decisions are made based on merit and without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, military service or status, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy or a condition related to pregnancy, ancestry, political affiliation or beliefs, or any factors unrelated to the skills and qualifications for the position in question. Individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment screening, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resources Manager at careers@nclc.org

NCLC offers an outstanding benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as pre-tax savings plans, a retirement savings opportunity, and generous paid time off, including holidays, sick time, personal time, paid parental leave, and 4 weeks of vacation per year.