Staff Attorney (Boston) – VLP

Please apply here.

POSITION: Staff Attorney

DAYS/HOURS: 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday plus occasional evening trainings/events

REPORTS TO: Betsy Gwin, Deputy Director

UNIT(S): Medical Legal Partnership, ERLI Call Center & Wills

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA

SALARY: Starting at $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience

* Hybrid- This position is currently hybrid, necessitating in person office attendance for 2 days weekly   

Click here to apply!

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association (VLP) is a non-profit legal services organization that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of Greater Boston, primarily through the pro bono services of private attorneys.

We are seeking a full-time attorney who is committed to serving low-income clients and working with the private bar to expand access to justice.  The Staff Attorney will provide support at our Eastern Region Legal Intake (ERLI) Call Center and lead our Medical Legal Partnership (MLP) and Wills Units. ERLI provides callers with information, legal advice, and referrals and conducts intakes in legal aid priority cases. The MLP Unit is an innovative partnership between VLP, healthcare providers and pro bono partners. The Wills Unit connects low-income clients to pro bono legal assistance with drafting wills, healthcare proxies, and powers of attorney.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

  • Law degree from an accredited law school
  • Admission to and good standing in the Massachusetts bar
  • Minimum two years of substantive experience practicing law
  • Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively by phone, electronically, and in person
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
  • Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues and external partners
  • Ability to quickly learn and retain new information, including computer, case management, and phone systems
  • Ability to effectively engage with private bar to recruit, train and mentor volunteer attorneys
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
  • Ability to travel to courthouses and other clinic locations in Greater Boston

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/ EXPERIENCE / ABILITIES/SKILLS:

  • Experience with Legal Server case management software
  • Experience in one or more of VLP’s practice areas
  • Experience serving low-income populations and communities
  • Experience recruiting and supporting volunteer attorneys
  • Experience supervising legal work of others

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Maintain substantive expertise in at least two of VLP’s practice areas
  • Provide attorney support to the ERLI Call Center three days per week, including responding to substantive legal questions, providing guidance to intake staff, and reviewing intake cases for appropriate disposition and closure
  • Manage and provide legal oversight of the Medical-Legal Partnership Unit
  • Manage and provide legal oversight of the Wills Unit
  • Review MLP cases weekly and determine appropriate case disposition and closure
  • Identify appropriate cases for referral to volunteer attorneys
  • Prepare cases for referral and lead weekly case review meetings with pro bono partners
  • Recruit, train, mentor, and support volunteer attorneys from the private bar
  • Provide substantive legal guidance and support to VLP staff and volunteer attorneys
  • Participate in relevant legal aid coalitions, working groups, and collaborative initiatives
  • Maintain a limited caseload and represent clients in civil matters within VLP’s priority practice areas
  • Perform other duties, projects, and responsibilities 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.

Supervising Attorney – Housing and Appeals (Boston) – VLP

Please apply here.

POSITION: Supervising Attorney – Housing and Appeals

DAYS/HOURS: 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday plus occasional evening trainings/events

REPORTS TO: Betsy Gwin, Deputy Director

UNIT(S): Housing and Appeals

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA

SALARY: $103,808

* Hybrid- This position is currently hybrid, necessitating in person office attendance for 2 days weekly   

Click here to apply!

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association (VLP) is a non-profit legal services organization that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of Greater Boston, primarily through the pro bono services of private attorneys.

The Housing Unit is the largest unit at VLP. The supervising attorney will provide general oversight to the housing and appeals units, substantive supervision at in-person and remote legal clinics, as well as for staff LAR and full-rep cases, and provide mentoring and supervision to pro bono attorneys. The supervision and support provided will elevate the skills of the housing unit and improve the consistency, accuracy, and depth of the advice and mentoring given to both VLP staff and our pro bono attorneys, to better serve our clients and community.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

  • Law degree from an accredited law school
  • Admission to and good standing in the Massachusetts bar
  • 2+ years in full-time housing law, including litigation
  • 2+ years supervising legal work
  • 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
  • Ability to travel to courthouses and other clinic locations in Greater Boston

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/ABILITIES/SKILLS:

  • Experience with Massachusetts appellate procedure
  • Bilingual in a second language, preferably Spanish

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Maintain expertise in housing law
  • Lead weekly unit case reviews and provide oversight on follow-through
  • Supervise weekly housing clinics
  • Supervise the Appeals Clinic, including attending the Appeals Clinic and closing Appeals Clinic cases
  • Provide substantive housing supervision at clinic and as needed to housing unit staff attorneys, including answering questions and reviewing advice and drafts of documents
  • Develop trainings for staff on housing law and litigation
  • Supervise and mentor paralegals, interns, and pro bono attorneys
  • Review cases for merit and alignment with priorities
  • Recruit and maintain relationships with volunteers from the private bar
  • Conduct trainings for volunteers, often during evening hours
  • Prepare cases for pro bono assignment, including reviewing memos and documents
  • Assist in placement of cases with pro bono attorneys
  • Monitor pro bono cases to ensure quality and competent representation
  • Participation in legal aid coalitions and collaborations
  • Assist with grant applications and reports

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.

Consumer & Bankruptcy Law Staff Attorney (Boston) – VLP

Please apply here.

POSITION: Consumer & Bankruptcy Law Staff Attorney
DAYS/HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM with one unpaid hour for lunch
REPORTS TO: Maggie Lee, Supervising Attorney Economic Fairness Unit
LOCATION: 7Winthrop Square, Boston, MA * hybrid
SALARY: Starting at $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience

* Hybrid- This position is currently hybrid, necessitating in person office attendance for 2 days weekly   

Click here to apply!

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Consumer and Bankruptcy Staff attorney will represent clients in civil and small claims debt collection cases and in bankruptcy cases, mentor pro bono attorneys, and supervise interns who support the Consumer and Bankruptcy units. The Staff Attorney will conduct training, answer substantive questions from volunteers, identify appropriate referrals as well as participate in weekly Consumer Small Claims clinics and a monthly Bankruptcy clinic 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
  • One or more years of substantive experience as a practicing attorney

PREFERRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

  • Experience with Legal Server case management software
  • Experience with Consumer and Bankruptcy law
  • Prior experience serving low-income populations and communities

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
  • 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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Represent clients in civil and small claims debt collection cases at various District Courts and provide supervision at Consumer Debt Collection Clinics (shared with another staff attorney)
  • Represent clients in bankruptcy cases and mentor pro bono attorneys (shared with staff attorney)
  • Identify appropriate cases for referral to pro bono attorneys
  • Train and mentor pro bono attorneys in consumer and bankruptcy law
  • 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.

Executive Director (Boston) – CLE

Please apply here.

Hybrid Position

The Center for Law and Education (CLE) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational equity and protecting the rights of students, particularly those from low-income families, students of color, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners. Founded in 1969, CLE works through litigation, legislative advocacy, administrative advocacy, policy development, training, and coalition-building to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality public education. For more than five decades, the organization has been a leading voice for educational justice, helping remove systemic barriers and empowering communities to address educational challenges effectively.

CLE is entering an exciting period of growth and opportunity guided by its 2025-2028 Strategic Plan. With a focus on expanding its national influence, advancing its Educational Quality Bill of Rights, launching innovative demonstration projects, and strengthening organizational capacity, CLE is poised to deepen its impact and further establish itself as a leader in education law and policy advocacy. The organization currently operates with a budget of approximately $750,000 and a dedicated team of five full-time staff members.

CLE seeks an Executive Director who will serve as the organization’s chief executive and strategic leader, responsible for advancing its mission, strengthening its national presence, ensuring long-term sustainability, and leading the implementation of its strategic vision. The ideal candidate will be a visionary, mission-driven leader with experience in nonprofit leadership, education, public policy, legal services, civil rights advocacy, or related fields. They will demonstrate exceptional strategic thinking, organizational leadership, fundraising success, and the ability to cultivate meaningful partnerships with funders, policymakers, advocates, and community stakeholders.

The Executive Director will lead organizational strategy, resource development, advocacy initiatives, communications, operations, and staff development. The successful candidate will bring strong financial and operational management skills, a deep commitment to educational equity and social justice, and the ability to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven culture. Significant senior leadership experience is required. An advanced degree in law, education, public policy, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field is required; a Juris Doctor is preferred but not required.

For best consideration, submit a letter of interest and current resume to Kittleman & Associates, LLC by September 18, 2026.

For more information about CLE: https://cleweb.org/

Center for Law and Education – Executive Director Position Guide

Salary Range  $140,000 – $160,000
Job # 792

Administrative Assistant (Cambridge) – De Novo

Please apply here.

De Novo is community-based agency that provides free legal services and affordable mental health counseling for lowincome people throughout the Greater Boston area. De Novo strives to create a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and safe work environment that welcomes, encourages, and values everyone’s contributions and fosters an exchange of ideas and mutual learning.

Reception duties:

  • Answer phones; screen callers for eligibility for the Center’s legal services and enter necessary intake information into case management system and relay messages to staff and volunteers;
  • Refer callers to other service providers and keep track of calls;
  • Greet clients and other visitors;
  • Schedule room use;
  • Maintain computerized client data base; compile data and prepare reports as requested;
  • Provide interpretation services in emergency situations.

Office duties:

  • Order office supplies; keep supplies areas organized;
  • Oversee postal needs including opening and sorting incoming mail and processing outgoing mail;
  • Processing donations including keeping a daily log of all incoming checks and donations;
  • Maintain office equipment (copier, fax, printer, refrigerator etc.) and assist volunteers and staff with office equipment;
  • Keep the reception area neat and organized;
  • Provide support to the Development Director, Deputy Director and Executive Director, as requested;
  • Perform additional tasks for the smooth functioning of the office as needed.

Qualifications:

  • Bilingual in Spanish and English required. Additional language skills a plus.
  • Experience as a receptionist, office manager, or work in a fast-paced office environment.
  • Ability to multi-task is essential. Must be available to open office at 9:00 a.m. daily
  • Experience with computers including: Microsoft Word, Excel, data entry and SharePoint
  • Sensitivity to people experiencing emotional distress.
  • Experience working with people with low incomes, from diverse backgrounds, and with limited English proficiency.

SALARY/BENEFITS:

De Novo offers an excellent benefits package including:

  • Salary Range $48,000 to $56,000
  • Health, life, short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Vacation, personal, and sick time
  • 403(b) retirement plan
  • Flexible Spending Plan
  • Professional development opportunities

TO APPLY: Please send resume and cover letter to: Tyra Bobic, Executive Coordinator tbobic.denovo.org. Please type: ADMINISTRAVE ASSISTANT in the subject line of the email. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be considered on a rolling basis. No phone inquiries, please.

De Novo is a Fair Employment Practices/Equal Employment Opportunity/disability accessible employer committed to maintaining a diverse workplace. Qualified candidates from diverse personal, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Supervising Attorney, Benefits Unit – SCCLS

Please apply here.

The Organization:

South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS), along with its subsidiary the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts, is a vibrant and growing non-profit legal aid program where our core mission is to fight injustice and poverty by advocating on behalf of low-income individuals and families across Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape, and Islands in civil matters when their basic needs are at stake. The organization prioritizes legal services in housing, public benefits, elder law, domestic relations, employment, education, immigration, and consumer matters.

With a staff of over 100, SCCLS is the principal provider of civil legal aid in the region. We operate from offices in Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and Hyannis. Our team provides representation and litigation services to thousands of people each year, while also delivering a wide range of community outreach and educational programs. We seek candidates who are committed to advancing equal access to justice and opportunity through client-centered advocacy. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to delivering impactful legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Role:

SCCLS seeks to hire a Supervising Attorney to lead the advocacy staff of the Benefits Unit. The Benefits Unit provides legal advice and representation to people who need income and related supports from state and federal programs including but not limited to cash assistance, supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP or food stamps), unemployment insurance, federal disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, and Medicaid (MassHealth) and child care benefits. The Benefits Unit works often in collaboration with SCCLS’ Elder Law Unit.

The Supervising Attorney will be primarily responsible for the running of the Benefits Unit and physically located in any of the law offices of SCCLS (Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, or Hyannis). The Supervising Attorney will mentor and supervise staff attorneys and paralegal case handlers, manage intake, develop impact/affirmative litigation and systemic advocacy, coordinate and report on grant projects, and provide legal leadership in working with other staff to prioritize legal issues. The Supervising Attorney will participate in state-wide initiatives related to all government benefits. The Supervising Attorney participates in Practice-wide management discussions and decision-making and is responsible for maintaining relationships with other stakeholders in the legal, court, and service communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. In partnership with the organization’s leadership team and management, develop and implement an articulated vision for benefits advocacy that includes high quality direct legal representation and addressing underlying systemic issues;
  2. Maintain a small and strategic caseload in state and federal administrative and court proceedings;
  3. Effectively engage with the organization’s leadership team, advocacy staff, community groups and organizations, and the statewide community to develop and manage strategic initiatives, community needs assessments, and to respond to emerging trends and changing policies affecting benefits issues;
  4. Develop, support, and oversee the systemic advocacy and litigation of the Benefits Unit;
  5. Assist in developing/revising standards of practice and ensure adherence to program and case handling standards, funder requirements and the highest professional standards using regular case review and other supervision standards and practices to develop the skills of the advocacy staff and ensure their professional development;
  6. Ensure advocacy staff is actively engaged with other program advocates, local community groups and organizations, and the statewide advocacy community to identify and address legal issues confronting our diverse and low income communities;
  7. Collaborate and partner with SCCLS’ Elder Law Unit Supervising Attorney to accomplish the above duties and responsibilities; and
  8. Work with the fellow management, Deputy Director and Executive Director to ensure grant compliance where appropriate.

Qualifications:

  1. Admitted in MA or eligible for admission;
  2. At least 5 years of legal practice experience with substantive expertise in benefits law and civil rights issues required;
  3. Experience representing clients seeking federal disability benefits from the Social Security Administration preferred
  4. Experience supervising desirable;
  5. Understanding or experience with intersecting systems affecting benefits insecurity desirable;
  6. Significant experience with advocacy in a variety of forums including federal, state, and appellate courts, administrative agencies, and/or legislative bodies;
  7. Strong leadership and mentoring skills and a leadership style that inspires and encourages professional growth in others;
  8. Demonstrated ability to identify and respond to emerging issues and policies affecting low-income clients;
  9. Ability to foster inclusivity, equity and humility when working with clients, colleagues and in supervising staff at the intersection of multiple identities, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, immigration status, religion, physical and mental disability, and/or limited English proficiency;
  10. Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  11. Capacity to facilitate groups and meetings equitably with a framework that embraces equity principles;
  12. Ability to engage effectively in person and remotely with people from diverse cultures, with diverse opinions and values, including with staff, volunteers, students, community members and funders;
  13. Fluency in a second language which reflects our client communities (Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Khmer) desirable.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting salary for the position will be $86,500 with increases based on experience and is based on a collective bargaining agreement scale enhanced for supervisory role with yearly standard increases, multi-lingual annual increment for demonstrated language skills. Benefits package: health and dental with supplemental coverage, life insurance, disability, flexible spending account, 403(b), loan forgiveness. Generous paid leave including sick, vacation, personal and holidays.

Apply:

Submit letter of interest, resume and legal writing sample by email to: LThelin@sccls.org with Subject Line: SCCLS Supervising Attorney Benefits. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

South Coastal Counties Legal Services and its subsidiary are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster a healthy, inclusive environment where all staff, clients, and community members are valued, empowered and recognized.

Senior Economic Justice Attorney – MLRI

Please apply here.

Deadline for Application: This is a high priority hire. Application materials will be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis; qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as possible. 

Position Overview

The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) seeks a dynamic, creative and experienced attorney with a strong commitment to economic, racial, and social justice to join MLRI’s Economic Justice unit. This is an opportunity to be part of the resistance to federal cuts by helping lead legislative and administrative advocacy and impact litigation to improve and protect access to critical safety net programs in Massachusetts and nationally, including but not limited to SNAP and cash assistance.

About MLRI’s Economic Justice Practice

MLRI’s Economic Justice advocates are SNAP and cash benefit experts and respected leaders in Massachusetts and nationally. It is a collaborative team of experienced and effective advocates with a proven track record of advancing justice for very low-income people. Our economic justice work is central to MLRI’s anti-poverty mission, and this position presents exciting opportunities to undertake high impact litigation and advocacy:

Opportunity to be part of a collaborative team of SNAP and cash benefit experts and respected Massachusetts and national leaders.

  • We fight for economic, racial, and social justice in the State House and the courthouse, in state and federal administrative agencies, and in Congress.
  • We have a long and demonstrated track record of success removing red tape and barriers to accessing public benefits and maximizing benefit amounts for vulnerable low-income households to help eligible families and individuals get – and stay – connected to SNAP and cash assistance.
  • We lead or co-lead statewide coalitions, legislative campaigns, and state and federal administrative policy advocacy in close partnership with community groups and people with lived experience of poverty and racial and economic justice.

Opportunity to do groundbreaking anti-poverty policy advocacy in a nationally recognized, multi-issue statewide legal services organization with stable funding.

  • MLRI experts in other units – available for consultation and collaboration – include specialists in immigration, housing, health care, language access, family law/DV, and child welfare.
  • MLRI is not subject to Legal Services Corporation (LSC) restrictions and receives de minimis federal funding.

Opportunity to be part of the resistance to federal cuts.

  • We can make and have made progress towards economic justice in Massachusetts through our strong relationships with state leaders.
  • We raised cash assistance grants by 45% in the past five years.
  • We participate in and help shape challenges to federal policies and practices.

Opportunity to pursue groundbreaking class action litigation to protect access to critical safety net programs.

  • We have viable state court options when U.S. Supreme Court decisions have closed the door to federal court.
  • We have secured class-wide prospective relief and nearly $20 million in back benefits for over 47,000 low-income households in SNAP lawsuits in the past decade.

Qualifications:

  • D. and licensed (or eligible to become licensed) to practice law in Massachusetts.
  • Minimum 5 – 10 years of relevant legal experience, including litigation experience.
  • Commitment to MLRI’s mission to serve low-income and marginalized populations and to advance an anti-racist, community-driven advocacy agenda.
  • Outstanding legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Ability to develop and lead litigation and statewide policy advocacy initiatives, think creatively and strategically, and exercise good judgment.
  • Ability to work confidently and carefully, both independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships outside of MLRI.
  • Ability to flourish in a fast paced, non-bureaucratic work culture that values innovative solutions.

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 attorney salaries are based on salary ranges in accordance with skills and years of relevant post-JD attorney experience. For example, the approximate annual salary range for an applicant with 5-10 years of experience is $70,000 – $122,000. MLRI regularly undertakes compensation analyses to ensure that our salary and overall compensation is competitive relative to comparable state-level and national partners.
  • MLRI is currently operating on a hybrid schedule and is committed to a fair and equitable workplace that promotes work-life balance.

How to Apply:

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume and a legal writing sample to: humanresources@mlri.org.  

Economic Justice Attorney / Safety Net Programs (Boston) – MLRI

Please apply here.

Deadline for Application: Application materials will be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis; qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as possible. 

Position Overview

The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) seeks a dynamic and creative attorney with a strong commitment to economic, racial, and social justice to join MLRI’s Economic Justice unit. This is an opportunity to be part of the resistance to federal cuts by helping lead legislative and administrative advocacy and impact litigation to improve and protect access to critical safety net programs in Massachusetts and nationally, including but not limited to SNAP and cash assistance.

About Our Economic Justice Practice:

Economic Justice advocates are SNAP and cash benefit experts and respected leaders in Massachusetts and nationally. We are a collaborative team of experienced advocates with a proven track record of advancing justice for very low-income people.

A few examples of MLRI’s work:

  • Leadership. We lead the statewide SNAP Coalition, co-lead state legislative campaigns and pursue changes directly with state and federal policy makers.
  • Legislation. Nationally and in the Northeast Region, we co-lead advocacy opposing harsh cuts to SNAP and TANF. In Massachusetts, in collaboration with partner organizations, we secured repeal of the state’s welfare “family cap” and raised cash assistance benefits by 45%, prohibited “school meal shaming” practices, and required the state to make it simpler for eligible families to access benefits.
  • Litigation. In the past decade, we have secured class-wide prospective relief and nearly $20 million in back benefits for over 47,000 low-income households in a series of SNAP lawsuits.
  • Policy advocacy. MLRI has led the way in Massachusetts and nationally in reducing red tape and barriers to accessing public benefits, maximizing benefit amounts for vulnerable low-income households, and simplifying application and enrollment processes to help eligible families and individuals get – and stay – connected to SNAP and cash assistance.

Responsibilities:  

Work closely and collaboratively with MLRI’s Economic Justice advocates to develop the skills to:

  • Identify, develop, and implement legislative and administrative advocacy and litigation strategies to improve and protect safety net programs in Massachusetts and nationally.
  • Provide legal and technical support to legislators, policymakers, local legal services programs, and other advocacy and community organizations.
  • Help build and lead coalitions of community and grassroots organizations.
  • Respond to and work with the media on SNAP, cash benefits, and other poverty law issues.
  • Develop and lead workshops and trainings for lawyers and community advocates.
  • Write amicus briefs, regulatory comments, reports, policy briefs and advocacy manuals, as well as materials for advocates, policymakers, clients, community members and other key stakeholders.
  • Represent MLRI policy interests in public forums, including legislative and rulemaking hearings and on statewide task forces.

Qualifications:

  • D. and licensed (or eligible to become licensed) to practice law in Massachusetts.
  • Minimum 1 – 5 years of relevant legal experience, which could include experience in direct legal services, administrative law, litigation, legislative advocacy, and/or policy advocacy with state and/or federal administrative agencies.
  • Demonstrated commitment to MLRI’s mission to serve low-income and marginalized populations and to advance an anti-racist, community-driven advocacy agenda.
  • Outstanding writing, legal research, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Ability to think creatively and strategically, and exercise good judgment.
  • Ability to work confidently and carefully, both independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to flourish in a fast paced, non-bureaucratic work culture.

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 attorney salaries are based on a salary range and based on skills and years of relevant post-JD attorney experience. For example, the approximate annual salary range for an applicant with 1-5 years of experience is $70,000 to $91,000. MLRI regularly undertakes compensation analyses to ensure that our salary and overall compensation is competitive relative to comparable state-level and national partners.
  • MLRI is currently operating on a hybrid schedule and is committed to a fair and equitable workplace that promotes work-life balance.

How to Apply:  

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume and a legal writing sample to: humanresources@mlri.org.

Executive Assistant (Boston) – MLRI

Please apply here.

Position Overview

Massachusetts Law Reform Institute is seeking a highly skilled Executive Assistant to support the Executive Office. The Executive Assistant is a key member of the Executive Office, responsible for strengthening organizational effectiveness, workflow efficiency, and support for the CEO, COO/CFO, Human Resources, and Chief Equity Strategist with an eye towards strategic imperatives. The position will also be the primary connection to the Board of Trustees. The ideal candidate will be mission-driven, organized, resourceful, action-oriented, and a strong team-player with the ability to work independently. The Executive Assistant will report directly to the Executive Director and COO/CFO, and will supervise the Front Desk/Office Coordinator. The position is hybrid, with two mandatory in-person office days.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Provide administrative support to the Executive Director and COO/CFO, including research, planning, drafting, editing, and disseminating of general correspondence, memoranda, and other documents.
  • Provide sophisticated calendar management for Executive Director and COO/CFO. Prioritize inquiries and requests while troubleshooting conflicts; make judgements and recommendations to ensure smooth day-to-day engagements.
  • Support the Executive Director and COO/CFO by preparing for, attending and note taking at meetings as assigned.
  • Manage the Front Desk/Office Coordinator and oversee office management.
  • Maintain a high-level awareness of ongoing work throughout the organization but especially within Operations and serve to build connections across different streams of work to avoid duplication.
  • Maintain accurate confidential files and data records for the Executive Office.
  • Serve as the liaison between the staff and Board of Trustees, including scheduling quarterly board and committee meetings, organizing board materials, and distributing correspondence pre- and post-meetings.
  • Serve as project manager for various initiatives as assigned by the Executive Director and COO/CFO.
  • Assist other departments with event planning and coordination of logistics as needed.
  • Organize and manage logistics for monthly staff meetings, staff retreats, and similar events.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Ability to anticipate needs of the Executive Office, with thoughtful planning and strategic prioritization in balancing the needs of the organization.
  • Strong technology skills, including comfort with using Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, scheduling apps, and project management software.
  • Proven ability to manage complex calendars and schedules.
  • Attention to detail, excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to juggle several projects at once.
  • Able to maintain a high level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
  • High degree of professionalism in dealing with diverse groups of people, including Board members, senior executives, staff, community leaders, donors, and funded partners.
  • Strong writing and proofreading skills.
  • Ability to complete a high volume of tasks and projects with little or no guidance.
  • Demonstrated interest in serving the non-profit and social justice sectors.
  • Experience working in legal services is a plus, but not required.

We recognize that candidates for this role may have varying levels of experience. If you are interested in this role, and feel you have relevant skills and experience, we encourage you to apply.

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 salary scale range and are commensurate with skills and years of relevant experience.The salary range for this position is $56,000-$72,000 per year. MLRI is currently operating on a hybrid schedule and is committed to a fair and equitable workplace that promotes work-life balance.

How to Apply:

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to humanresources@mlri.org. Application materials will be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis; interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit application materials promptly.

Immigration/Immigrant Rights Litigation Senior Attorney (Boston) – MLRI

Please apply here.

Deadline to Apply: 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.

The Opportunity: Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) seeks an experienced attorney to join MLRI’s Immigration Practice Group. The Sr. Staff Attorney will play a lead role in crafting and carrying out MLRI’s immigration/immigrant rights agenda – through federal court litigation, administrative/legislative and other policy advocacy, and coalition-building with legal aid, community-based, and immigrants’ rights organizations statewide and nationally. The position will be supervised by MLRI’s Sr. Immigration Attorney Iris Gomez.

About MLRI: 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. MLRI leads and coordinates a number of statewide advocacy coalitions in substantive issues areas, including the very active Immigration Coalition which has over 150 members. Visit www.mlri.org.

Desired Qualifications & Experience:

  • Law degree and admission to any state bar;
  • Minimum 5 years post-law school legal experience;
  • Experience in the immigrant rights/immigration law field and a demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights issues that affect low-income people;
  • Litigation experience at the trial and/or appellate level in affirmative litigation;
  • Strong writing and legal research skills;
  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to develop and advance advocacy strategies, including systemic litigation and advocacy campaigns, in collaboration with partners;
  • Experience effectively collaborating with racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse community groups and coalitions; and
  • Commitment to MLRI’s anti-poverty mission and to the immigration practice group’s mission and collaborative work style.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Identify, develop and implement effective affirmative litigation strategies in collaboration with MLRI’s immigration team, outside counsel, immigration coalition members and immigrant plaintiffs; 
  • Identify, develop, and implement effective administrative, legislative, and other policy advocacy strategies, in collaboration with MLRI’s Immigration team and our statewide Immigration Coalition members; 
  • Provide legal and technical support and expertise to policymakers, legal services program staff, and community organizations on immigration law issues and other areas of law in which immigration law affects the rights of low-income immigrants;
  • Share responsibility with the rest of MLRI’s Immigration team for leading and coordinating our advocacy and support work, supervising interns, and assisting with immigration-related fundraising.

Salary and Benefits:

  • MLRI offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. MLRI provides very generous benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 403(b) plan employer contribution of 3% after 6 months of employment, as well as vacation, holiday, and family leave.
  • MLRI’s Staff Attorney salaries are based on scale and are commensurate with skills and years of relevant post-JD attorney experience. For example, for this position the salary range is $78,000-105,000 depending on applicant 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.

How to Apply: