Staff Attorney - Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project

Are you a tech-savvy attorney passionate about justice, equity, and innovation? MLRI is seeking a creative, collaborative, and mission-driven Staff Attorney to join our dynamic Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project. You’ll join a small, but committed team that uses technology to expand access to justice for low-income people across the Commonwealth.

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of legal tech in a high-impact, mission-focused environment. If you're energized by problem-solving, community-building, and using digital tools to improve lives, we’d love to hear from you.

About MLRI:

Founded in 1968, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is a nationally recognized nonprofit poverty law and policy center that provides statewide advocacy and leadership in advancing laws, policies, and practices that secure economic, racial, and social justice for low-income people and communities. We pursue systems change through litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, coalition building, community lawyering, and other strategies that address systemic harm to low-income people.

MLRI is also the statewide multi-issue poverty law support center for the Massachusetts civil legal aid delivery system; our advocates provide substantive expertise and technical assistance to frontline legal aid field program advocates and to many other advocates and providers who serve low-income people and communities in Massachusetts. See www.mlri.org

About the Websites Project:

The Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project uses technology to provide easy-to-understand, free legal resources to low-income people in need of legal help. It also supports a wide network of legal aid, poverty law and pro bono advocates. We manage a suite of websites visited by thousands of people every day that offer vital information, connection, and resources to both legal advocates and the public:

• MassLegalHelp.org – Legal info for the public
• MassLegalServices.org – Resource hub for advocates
• MassLAO.org – A free legal advice platform
• MassLRF.org – Legal triage and referral tool
• MassProBono.org – Connecting attorneys with pro bono opportunities

Major responsibilities:

1. Lead and Evolve MassLegalServices.org

• Manage content, training resources, and collaboration tools for legal aid advocates.
• Foster communities of practice and support statewide collaboration, including by managing substantive legal aid listservs.
• Develop strategies for effective information management.
• Ensure accessibility and maintain technical integrity of the platform.
• Promote awareness and engagement with the site and its resources.
• Work with subject matter experts to develop special initiatives.

1. Oversee Mass Legal Answers Online (MLAO)

• Recruit and support volunteer attorneys.
• Manage workflows, troubleshoot user issues, and oversee the legal advice queue.
• Develop strategies to grow visibility and community engagement.
• Assist with grant writing and fundraising.
• Answer questions in the queue as needed.

1. Maintain and Enhance MassLRF.org

• Keep referral information current and reliable.
• Support users and partner organizations with updates and technical issues.
• Monitor site functionality and user experience.

1. Advance Innovation in Legal Tech

• Explore new technologies, including AI, that support legal aid work.
• Collaborate on experimental and cutting-edge projects that expand access to justice.
• Demonstrate leadership in the broader legal aid community.
• Identify best practices from other jurisdictions.

Ideal Candidate

• Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to, or eligible for admission to, the Massachusetts bar
• 5–10 years of relevant experience (poverty law strongly preferred)
• Proven leadership in project management and cross-team collaboration
• Tech-savvy with experience in web platforms (Drupal/WordPress a plus), UX design, accessibility standards, and plain language writing
• Strong communicator, both written and oral
• Experience working with, recruiting, and retaining pro bono attorneys
• Creative, adaptable, and eager to leverage technology for systemic impact
• Commitment to anti-racism, equity, and serving marginalized communities

Salary and Benefits:

MLRI offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. MLRI provides a very generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 403(b) plan employer contribution of 5%, as well as vacation, holiday, winter recess and family leave.

MLRI’s salaries are based on scale and are commensurate with skills and years of relevant experience. For example, for this position the annual salary range is $85,000-$105,000 depending on the applicant’s level of experience. Internal equity considerations and average salary of the peer range will be reviewed and taken into consideration.

MLRI is currently operating on a hybrid schedule with two days per week in the office. We are committed to a fair and equitable workplace that promotes work-life balance.

How to Apply:

Please email the following the required materials to humanresources@mlri.org with “Websites Project Attorney” in the subject line:

• Cover letter that outlines experience and qualifications
• Resume

Deadline for Submission:

Application materials will be reviewed, and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis; interested and qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to submit application materials promptly.

Commitment to Justice, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging:

MLRI is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We believe that having a staff, board, and volunteers from diverse personal and professional backgrounds and lived experience enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with lived experience of poverty and/or racism, and people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.