Tag Archive for: MLRI

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:

Affordable Housing Preservation Attorney – MLRI

Deadline for Submission: 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. 

The Position: MLRI seeks an experienced attorney with a background in affordable housing preservation law and policy to join its Housing Practice Group and advocate on behalf of low-income and marginalized people statewide. 

Primary Responsibilities: Provide support to residents, legal aid advocates and community groups to preserve privately-owned affordable housing in Massachusetts from loss of affordability, including naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH), privately-owned subsidized housing, and manufactured housing. Activities include work to preserve the affordability of individual developments, outreach to residents; property background research; developing legal and other strategies; support for tenant organizing; support for legal aid advocates in eviction defense work; negotiating with owners; outreach to potential allies, stakeholders, and professionals to support preservation efforts; and identifying potential preservation purchasers as needed. In addition, help coordinate statewide legal services support and policy advocacy on affordable housing preservation, including: advocating for legislative and administrative reforms; providing analysis and public comment on housing preservation; developing community legal education on affordable housing preservation; pulling together and distributing pertinent data; and monitoring the status of affordable housing developments at risk of losing affordability. 

Ongoing Responsibilities: Together with the Housing Practice Group (HPG), coordinate and facilitate statewide housing coalitions; provide technical support for legal services advocates and community groups on housing preservation issues and other housing issues as they arise; provide analysis and public comment on housing-related state legislation, budget, and policy; and work with HPG to take on specific advocacy, technical support, and other projects as they arise. 

About MLRI: Founded in 1968, 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 impact litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, coalition building, community lawyering, and other strategies that address systemic harm to low-income people. MLRI’s approach is based on a racial justice and anti-racist framework and uses community-driven and collective impact strategies to advance high impact change. MLRI also serves as the statewide multi-issue poverty law support center for the civil legal aid delivery system; our advocates provide substantive expertise and technical assistance and support to front line legal aid field programs and advocates and to many serving low-income people. MLRI’s housing advocates have played a significant role in advancing systemic solutions and policy reforms that achieve housing justice, prevent displacement, empower communities, prevent eviction and homelessness, and preserve housing affordable to lowest income residents. We work in multiple forums through a wide variety of strategies in areas including homeless prevention, public and subsidized housing, tenants’ rights, fair housing, and housing preservation, gentrification and displacement. 

Desired Experience & Qualifications: 

  • J.D. and licensed (or eligible to become licensed) to practice law in Massachusetts. Minimum 5 years legal experience. 

  • Experience or background in affordable housing preservation. 

  • Demonstrated litigation and/or policy advocacy experience. 

  • Project management experience. 

  • Demonstrated ability to work with clients, client groups, community-based organizations and coalitions. 

  • Excellent research and writing skills. 

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively. 

  • Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills. 

  • Strong organizational skills, strategic thinker, creative, and collaborative. 

  • Commitment to MLRI’s mission to serve low-income and vulnerable populations and to advance an anti-racist, community-driven advocacy agenda. 

Salary and Benefits: 

  • MLRI offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment that emphasizes work-life balance. 

  • MLRI provides very generous benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 403(b) plan employer contribution of 5% after 6 months of employment, as well as vacation, holiday, and family leave. 

  • MLRI’s staff attorney salaries are based on salary scale range and are commensurate with skills and years of relevant post-JD attorney experience. For example, the approximate salary range for a staff attorney with 0-9 years of experience is: $70,000- 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: Please email the following required application materials: 1) a cover letter outlining interest, experience and qualifications for the position; 2) a resume; and 3) 1-2 legal writing samples to humanresources@mlri.org. Please note that all required application materials must be submitted in order to be considered for the position. No phone calls please.

Executive Coordinator – De Novo

Full-Time – 35 Hours/Week

About De Novo
De Novo is a community-based agency that provides free legal services and affordable mental health counseling for low-income individuals throughout the Greater Boston area. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and safe work environment that values everyone’s contributions and promotes mutual learning.

Position Summary
The Executive Coordinator reports directly to the Executive Director and Deputy Director, and works closely with the Board of Directors and management team. This role is essential to the smooth operation of De Novo’s internal systems, board relations, staff initiatives, and organizational logistics.

Responsibilities include

  • Draft and manage correspondence and digital content in collaboration with the leadership team.
  • Provide administrative support to the Board of Directors, including communications and logistics for board meetings, preparation of materials, and meeting minutes.
  • Organize staff initiatives such as wellness programs and monthly team breakfasts.
  • Help plan and coordinate organization events.
  • Assist with quarterly and end-of-year financial reporting.
  • Process contract invoices, including coding and documentation.
  • Support recruitment and hiring processes. Coordinate staff orientation and assist with onboarding process including setting up new employees with all office systems.
  • Maintain employee files and records, and process reasonable accommodation requests.
  • Review timesheets, verify paid time off, and prepare annual timesheet allocation charts.
  • Conduct research to support new initiatives and organizational improvements.
  • Assist with special projects as needed, including but not limited to, facilitating trainings and presentations, data management, and administrative support for development, legal and counseling programs.

Qualifications and Competencies

  • Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience or the equivalent combination of experience and education.
  • Strong organizational and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint and database systems (e.g., LegalServer).
  • Strong interpersonal communications skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
  • Experience working with diverse populations and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Familiarity with nonprofit operations, finance, HR, and development is a plus.

Hours, Salary, and Benefits
This is a full-time position (35 hours/week). Salary is commensurate with experience. De Novo offers an excellent benefits package including:

  • Salary Range $62,000 to $67,000
  • 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
Email a cover letter and resume to John Froio, Deputy Director, at jfroio@denovo.org. Please type: EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR – APPLICATION in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Equal Opportunity Statement
De Novo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected category under federal or Massachusetts law.

Senior Economic Justice Attorney with Focus on Safety Net Programs – MLRI

The Opportunity: 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.

 

MLRI’s Mission and Work: Founded in 1968, MLRI is a nationally-recognized statewide anti-poverty law and policy center. 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 work in close partnership with community groups and people with lived experience of poverty and economic and racial injustice. For more information see MLRI.org.

 

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:

 

  • We lead the statewide SNAP Coalition, co-lead legislative campaigns, influence national advocacy conversations, and pursue changes directly with state and federal policy makers.
  • 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.
  • 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 the Economic Justice unit 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 advocacy and educational 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:

  • J.D. and licensed (or eligible to become licensed) to practice law in Massachusetts.
  • At least 5 to 10 years of relevant legal experience, which could include experience in direct legal services, administrative law, impact litigation, legislative advocacy, and/or policy advocacy with state and/or federal administrative agencies.
  • 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 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.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with or on behalf of people and communities in poverty.
  • Knowledge, whether personal or professional, of safety net public benefits programs, especially in Massachusetts.
  • Experience with a practice area that intersects with safety net programs such as child support, subsidized child care, child welfare, or unemployment compensation.
  • Experience organizing or participating in coalitions of community and grassroots organizations.

 

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 Staff Attorney salaries are based on salary scale range and are commensurate 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- $105,000.
  • MLRI is currently operating on a hybrid schedule and is committed to a fair and equitable workplace that promotes work-life balance.

 

Applications:

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

Recent law eliminates rental broker fees in Boston, offering some relief to tenants

Below is the full text of a Scope article from 08/19/25.

–

Full Article from the Scope.

By Devyn Rudnick

Boston renters are no longer responsible for paying broker fees thanks to a new state law that may make moving more affordable amid the city’s pressing housing crisis.

Prior to Aug. 1, when the law took effect, real estate professionals charged tenants “broker fees” for services that are primarily provided to a landlord. These fees are often equivalent to one month’s rent. Add on the other typical move-in costs — renters are generally asked to pay their first month’s rent, last month’s rent, a security deposit (which is usually also equivalent to one month’s rent) and the broker fee — and a potential tenant’s upfront cost is brought up to around four months’ rent — a price many people can’t afford to pay.

Now the law for Massachusetts renters reflects what is common in most service-based industries: whoever hires the broker service is required to pay for it.

This legislation, outlined in a budget bill, eliminates a steep cost for tenants and a major barrier to finding a place to live. Renters still have to pay initial fees, but unless they hire a broker themselves, tenants are free from this unnecessary cost.

“All renters are going to benefit from this,” said Mark Martinez, a housing staff attorney at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute. “We all know the cost of living in Boston is astronomical, but the upfront moving costs are really just so prohibitive for so many people … It doesn’t make rent more affordable, but it does make moving around in the city, a city that is very transitory, a little bit easier.”

Massachusetts was the last state in the country to create a law preventing landlords from forcing tenants to pay broker fees. New York’s Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act took effect earlier this year, and while some critics cite higher rent as a symptom of the law, experts say it does more good than harm.

“If we never banned broker fees in Massachusetts, for the vast, vast majority of renters, their rent was going up next month anyway,” said Martinez. “So I think it’s really disingenuous, in the market that we exist in, to say that this law is the reason why rent is going up, when folks’ rents were going up anyway.” Martinez also said that it is easier for most people to spread out this cost over 12 months, rather than having to pay it all at once.

Broker fees had the potential to trap Boston residents into rents they can barely afford. When landlords raised rents, even if tenants found a cheaper apartment, they still needed thousands of dollars saved up to move in.

“You get stuck in these units that you can’t afford because the cost of moving to even a cheaper unit is prohibitive,” Martinez said.

With this new law, tenants have gained more bargaining power.

“If you have the ability to move, then you may be able to push back when a landlord won’t maintain the building or says, ‘I’m going to raise the rent,’” said Todd Kaplan, a senior attorney in the consumer rights unit of Greater Boston Legal Services.

Boston is undoubtedly in a housing crisis. There isn’t enough housing for the city’s population, and there are even fewer affordable places to live. Currently, the standard price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is $3,522, more than double the national average for a similar-sized space, according to Apartments.com.

This law provides real material relief, but does not address the underlying issues of extremely high rent prices and a lack of housing options.

“The broker fee law change is important to help increase people’s mobility, but it doesn’t address the underlying factor that’s driving displacement, the real lack of homes for people of all income levels in all walks of life,” said Jesse Kanson-Benanav, the executive director of Abundant Housing Massachusetts.

Removing broker fees for renters doesn’t solve Boston’s housing problems, but it’s a statewide step in the right direction. The city has strategies to address the lack of housing, beginning inclusionary zoning initiatives and creating a Boston Acquisition Fund to preserve housing affordability. As residents move closer to municipal elections, housing is an issue that is top of mind for many voters.

“Lawmakers moved on this very quickly, and that is a really big win for tenants,” said Kaplan. “It shows that politicians are paying attention to this problem. It doesn’t solve all of the problems that tenants are facing, but it shows that the housing crisis is real and tenants are being listened to.”

Kanson-Benanav described a statewide poll done by Abundant Housing Massachusetts where Massachusetts voters were asked what the top issue facing the Commonwealth today is. He said most people responded with housing-related concerns.

“Housing is a very salient issue, both in this year’s municipal election in Boston and other cities that have elections this fall, when we get into the state elections in 2026, I don’t think it will go away,” Kanson-Benanav said. “This law is an important change. I’m hopeful that it will just help drive the conversation about other innovative strategies we can take to address our housing crisis.”

Immigrants using CBP One app sue Trump administration for denying legal status

Below is the full text of a GBH article from 08/13/25.

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Full Article from GBH

By Sarah Betancourt

Three immigrant plaintiffs and the Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts are suing the Trump administration in federal court over its cancellation of a parole program.

Democracy Forward and Massachusetts Law Reform Institute filed the suit in the District of Massachusetts on Monday, challenging the end of the CBP One app, a online appointment system and subsequent parole program for people seeking to legally immigrate to the United States.

The complaint states that the government’s decision to end CBP One earlier this year resulted in immigrants ”living in the United States legally to being deemed ‘illegal aliens’ overnight.“ Immigrants who came in through that app system lost legal status and are technically undocumented. The suit seeks to reverse that decision for parolees already in the United States, restoring the parole they had been granted.

“We are talking about hundreds of thousands of people who lost their jobs, their homes, and their access to food, health care, and they even now face the threat of detention or deportation back to dangerous conditions,” said Ciro Valiente, spokesperson for Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts.

Plaintiffs said the decision by the Trump administration is a violation of the Administrative Procedures Act, and that the government can only end parole early on a case-by-case basis, not en masse like what happened with the CBP One cancellation.

Launched in 2020, the CBP One program was initially for commercial trucking companies to schedule cargo inspections. The app was expanded in 2023 to allow migrants to schedule appointments at ports of entry on the southern border. Immigrants seeking entry without appointments would typically be turned away. Over two years, nearly a million people scheduled appointments.

The three individual plaintiffs include a Haitian woman living in Massachusetts and the Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts, which said it has at least 473 parolees in Massachusetts, and nearly 5,000 in its organization nationwide. The other plaintiffs are a Cuban woman living in Texas and a woman living in Ohio, originally from Venezuela. The plaintiffs are seeking class certification so the court’s decision would apply nationwide.

The Massachusetts individual plaintiff, anonymized as “Olivia Doe,” is a Haitian who arrived through the app, and had a border patrol inspection before being allowed into the U.S. Her parole was supposed to continue until Nov. 30, 2026, and she also has a pending asylum hearing for December 2027. Her work permit has been revoked, along with her legal status.

It is unclear how many other immigrants arrived in Massachusetts through the app-based program and are in the same situation. The thousands of people nationwide with the legal status received an April email from the Department of Homeland Security, which said: “It is time for you to leave the United States.” The email includes no reasoning for the termination of people’s status.

“They complied with all of the instructions. They’ve done everything that they were supposed to do,” said Heather Arroyo, senior immigration attorney at MLRI. “This was just arbitrarily stripped from them.”

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:

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.