Domestic Violence Staff Attorney – MWLS

About Us: We are a team of passionate lawyers and administrators, many who have had other careers as educators, social workers, advocates, and in the arts. We believe in serving our community and breaking the cycle of poverty, oppression, and inequality. We work hard, but recognize that to serve others, we must also prioritize ourselves and our families. In our free time we travel, we coach softball teams, and volunteer for other non-profits. In providing free civil legal aid services, we keep people in their homes, provide safety through immigration status or protection from abuse, and fight against systems and individuals that oppress our vulnerable neighbors. We are an organization that professionally empowers our team and values mentorship.

About You: You choose to make a difference in the world. You return your grocery cart. You pay it forward when you can and ask for help when you need it. You believe that race, language, wealth, identity, disability, or socio-economic status shouldn’t impact the type of justice one receives. You are fueled by doing what’s right, and ready to step up to ensure the rights and well-being of your clients are protected. You are ready to learn, help out a colleague, and be fulfilled in your career.

The Position:

  • Manage an active litigation practice and represent survivors in domestic violence-related civil legal matters including divorce, custody, paternity, and protection order cases, thereby increasing survivor choice, safety, and economic independence.
  • Screen clients for immigration relief, and coordinate with MWLS immigration unit to provide VAWA, U-Visa, and SIJS relief to immigrant survivors of domestic violence and their children.
  • The ability to travel to courthouses throughout the MWLS service area and to occasional statewide events (MWLS has a travel expense reimbursement plan).

Is This Position Right For You?

  • The candidate must be admitted to the Massachusetts bar, be able to sit for the Massachusetts bar exam in 2023, or be admitted to the bar of another state with the ability to waive in to the MA bar.
  • Two plus years’ experience in providing family law services preferred; focus on representing survivors of domestic violence preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to utilize appropriate, non-judgmental communication techniques when responding to survivors that illustrates sensitivity to their experiences and needs. Prior experience interviewing and counseling survivors of trauma and abuse preferred.
  • Ability to work and advocate in a collaborative style with diverse ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic groups, as well as diversity based on ability/disability, sexual orientation and religion.
  • Spoken fluency in a second language (Spanish or Portuguese) preferred. Language competencies will be tested during the interview process.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
  • Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills.
  • Fully vaccinated pursuant to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
  • Sense of humor and willingness to be a team player.

Salary/Benefits:

Salary is based on a union scale with a base wage of $60,000 plus experience credit if applicable. Benefits package include generous PTO leave, 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer match on retirement contributions, student loan repayment assistance program for eligible attorneys, and extensive professional development opportunities.

How to Apply:

Email (1) a cover letter sharing your experience and why you are ready for a career in poverty/public interest law and (2) resume to MetroWest Legal Services, at jobs@mwlegal.org. Please send and attach PDFs only. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

MWLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. MWLS encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.