Staff Attorney - Housing

To be considered for this position, please submit an application, including a resume and cover letter, via Wufoo:

https://vlpprobono.wufoo.com/forms/staff-attorney-housing

This application will remain open until the position has been filled.

POSITION: Staff Attorney - Housing & Appeals

DAYS/HOURS: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM with one unpaid hour for lunch  

REPORTS TO: Rochelle Jones, Supervising Attorney

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Boston, MA *Hybrid

SALARY: Starting at $72,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience

SUMMARY OF POSITION:   

The Housing and Appeals Staff Attorney will represent clients in housing cases and single-justice civil appeals cases (though the representation in appeals should be minimal as the purpose of the Civil Appeals unit is to be a pro bono unit where private attorneys take the cases) , in various courts, mentor pro bono attorneys, supervise interns and a housing and appeals paralegal who supports the housing & appeals unit, identify appropriate referrals, co-manage the virtual Answer and Discovery clinic including the prep and post clinic work, as well as staff and supervise volunteers at the weekly Lawyer for the Day and Answer & Discovery clinics.  The Staff Attorney will conduct training, answer substantive questions from volunteers, identify appropriate referrals as well as rotate as an on-call attorney at our call center.  

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:  

• Law degree from an accredited law school
• Admission to and good standing in Massachusetts bar
• Experience in Landlord/Tenant law and Summary Process and Appellate law

PREFERRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:  

• Experience with Legal Server case management software
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and serving low-income populations and communities
• Supervision experience
• Bilingual

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS: 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to absorb and retain new information quickly
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to excel working independently and within a team
• Ability to learn and navigate computer, case management software, and phone systems
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to various client situations and changes in program procedures
• Strong data entry and typing skills
• Ability to manage stress and identify self-care as needed
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to analyze and problem solve quickly
• Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate over the phone, by computer, and in person
• Ability to use a computer several hours per day

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Represent clients in housing cases in various courts.
• Represent clients in single justice appeals cases and mentor pro bono attorneys (shared with staff attorney and single-justice work is not frequent where the primary goal of the clinic is to utilize pro bono volunteers).
• Staff VLP housing clinics.
• Identify appropriate cases for referral to pro bono attorneys.
• Recruit, train, and mentor interns and pro bono attorneys in housing cases
• Other program duties as assigned.

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.

Comprehensive Benefits Package available including:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance