Temporary Housing Attorney - Landlord

To be considered for this position you must submit an application through Wufoo. Applications received on Idealist will not be considered.

Please visit the following website to apply: https://vlpprobono.wufoo.com/forms/temporary-housing-attorney-landlord/

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

POSITION: Temporary Housing Attorney (Landlord)

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

REPORTS TO: Executive Director, Joanna Allison

LOCATION: Hybrid / 7 Winthrop Square, Boston, MA 02110

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

SALARY/WAGES: $72,000-$78,000

• This position is hybrid that also requires in person attendance to weekly clinics in Worcester

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking a temporary Staff Attorney to provide legal information, assistance, and representation to low-income owner occupants who live in the home they rent facing financial hardship in Boston.

Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corp. has engaged the Volunteer Lawyers Project to participate in a coordinated legal services delivery system to deliver free legal assistance to income eligible owner occupant landlords facing eviction issues in Central Massachusetts served by Central Housing Court. The Project seeks to ensure that legal assistance is available to all who are eligible.

This is a grant-funded position through June 30, 2025.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING:

• Law degree from an accredited law school
• Admission to and good standing in Massachusetts bar

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

• A demonstrated sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individual from diverse backgrounds, and commitment to working with low-income people
• Strong legal writing skills, including ability to write briefs, pleadings, and other legal documents.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and with staff at outside organizations
• Ability to effectively engage with private bar to recruit, train and mentor volunteer attorneys
• Ability to use a computer several hours per day
• Ability to communicate in person, by telephone, and by computer

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Represent owner-occupants before or during eviction cases including but not limited to interviewing clients and assessing, researching, strategizing, and negotiating cases; preparing pleadings or other documents; representing clients in court, at administrative proceedings, and in other forums as necessary; and closing cases
• Attend and participate in all meetings related to the project, as appropriate
• As directed, engage in community outreach activities, including presentations to stakeholders
• Review cases for merit and alignment with priorities
• Supervise paralegals, interns, and pro bono attorneys
• Prepare cases for pro bono assignment, including reviewing memos and documents
• Assist in placement of cases with pro bono attorneys
• Answer substantive questions from staff members and pro bono attorneys
• Monitor pro bono cases to ensure quality and competent representation
• Participate in legal aid coalitions and collaborations
• Staff VLP housing clinics
• Perform other duties as needed or as directed

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.