Tag Archive for: nclc

Development Intern (Boston) – NCLC

Please apply here. 

The National Consumer Law Center® (NCLC) is seeking a Development Intern in our Boston headquarters to assist with tasks related to conference planning, data integrity, and various administrative and clerical tasks. Flexible hours. We are seeking applicants who can commit to the position for the 2026-2027 academic year, and there is potential for interested applicants to begin the internship early, in the summer of 2026. Please state the timing and duration of your interest in your cover letter.

The National Consumer Law Center® is a nonprofit advocacy organization that works to build economic security and family wealth for low-income and other economically disadvantaged Americans. NCLC is the leading source of legal and public policy expertise on consumer issues for lawyers, federal and state policymakers, consumer advocates, journalists, and front-line service providers. Please see our website at www.nclc.org.

Principal Responsibilities include:

  • Provide support for conference planning under direction of the Manager of Conferences & Trainings for 2-3 major conferences per year, and numerous trainings and webinars.
  • Assist the Development Operations Coordinator in updating NCLC’s database, documenting advocacy efforts and impact, processing mail returns, researching constituent information, and other support as directed.
  • Provide research and administrative support to NCLC’s development staff.
  • Provide back-up support to NCLC’s Administrative Staff on day-to-day tasks potentially including updating and maintaining office records and library: organizing and maintaining meeting calendar upon request; other assistance as necessary.

Qualifications:

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or community college.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Exceptional organizational skills, careful attention to detail.
  • Ability to multitask effectively.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Apps
  • Database and social media experience welcome.
  • Related experience or nonprofit experience preferred.

Salary: $17.50 per hour

Schedule: 15-20 hours a week; flexible hours available. We are accepting applicants for the 2026-2027 school year with consideration given for an early start in the summer of 2026. Please specify your availability in your cover letter.

NCLC staff are working a hybrid schedule. Interns will have some flexibility to split their time between working in our downtown Boston office and working from home.

Email Cover Letter, Resume to: internships@nclc.org, Subject Line: Development Intern 2026-2027. No phone calls, please. Applications will be received on a rolling basis with priority given to those who apply prior to 4/27/26.

The National Consumer Law Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and believes that diversity strengthens our work. Employment decisions are made based on merit and without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, military service or status, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy or a condition related to pregnancy, ancestry, political affiliation or beliefs, or any factors unrelated to the skills and qualifications for the position in question. Individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment screening, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resources Manager at careers@nclc.org

Consumer Reporting and Data Advocacy Attorney (Boston) – NCLC

Please apply here. 

The National Consumer Law Center® (NCLC) is seeking an attorney to work for economic and racial justice for low-income and other disadvantaged communities as a member of NCLC’s consumer reporting and data advocacy team. The attorney will advocate for the rights of low-income and other disadvantaged communities against abuses by the credit reporting companies and other consumer data traffickers, such as tenant and employment screening companies and data brokers.

This is a full-time position. The attorney will work to prevent the harm caused by shoddy, inaccurate consumer reporting and to prevent the weaponization of their data against low-income individuals and communities. Key focuses include combating errors, bias, abuses, and racial inequity in credit reports and in background checks and ensuring that data, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and other new technologies will help, not hurt, low-income people and communities.

To achieve these aims, the attorney will engage in federal and state-level legislative and agency-based advocacy; research, analyze, and write on relevant legal and policy issues for public-facing NCLC reports and policy briefs; meet with and respond to requests other advocacy organizations, industry groups, and the media; participate in building and supporting coalition-based advocacy efforts; and support impact litigation (note this is not a position within our litigation team, but may provide opportunities to help develop and support relevant litigation). The attorney also will provide training, education, and support to the field, including by writing and updating relevant chapters of NCLC’s legal practice manuals; offering legal and technical support to private and civil legal aid attorneys, consumer advocates, and government officials; and contributing to webinars and in-person training sessions. Although the attorney in this position will focus primarily on consumer reporting and data fairness issues, they will work on other consumer law areas as the need arises.

NCLC has a preference for candidates who will be based at our Boston headquarters, but candidates who would work remotely or from our Washington, DC office may be considered. NCLC advocacy staff based on our Boston and DC offices work a hybrid schedule requiring at least 2 days in the office. Some travel is required for meetings, presentations, and conferences. Remote staff are expected to travel to the Boston and DC offices occasionally. Relocation assistance is available for new hires who wish to locate to the Boston or DC office.

Founded in 1969, NCLC is a nonprofit, public interest advocacy organization that seeks to build economic security and family wealth for low-income and other economically disadvantaged Americans. NCLC is a leading source of legal and public policy expertise on consumer issues for lawyers, federal and state policymakers, consumer advocates, journalists, and front-line service providers. For more information, please see our website at www.nclc.org.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • A law degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar in good standing in at least one state.
  • At least 3 years of legal experience.
  • Experience with public interest law.
  • Demonstrated commitment to working on behalf of disadvantaged individuals and communities and to racial justice.
  • Experience with consumer law, including in direct representation of clients in a legal services program, is preferred.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues inside and outside NCLC.
  • Ability to think creatively, be strategic, exercise sound judgment, and balance competing priorities.
  • Excellent analytical skills.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including the demonstrated ability to analyze and write about complex legal and public policy issues.
  • Strong public speaking skills and the ability to engage with a variety of audiences.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse coalitions, including the ability to build connections between people and organizations to advance shared goals.

To apply, email your resume and cover letter to careers@nclc.org, Subject Line: Credit Reporting and Data Fairness Attorney. And complete the online employment application https://forms.gle/cSEMTEP9724TfcFZ7

While applications will be considered on a rolling basis, priority consideration will be given to applicants who apply by August 3, 2026.

Salary and benefits: NCLC pays on a competitive salary scale, commensurate with years of legal experience. For example, starting annual pay at 3 years is $106200; 5 years is $119800; 10 years is $147000; 15 years is $166800 and so on.

NCLC offers an outstanding benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as pre-tax savings plans, a retirement savings opportunity, and generous paid time off, including holidays, sick time, personal time, paid parental leave, and 4 weeks of vacation per year.

For more information, visit https://www.nclc.org/get-involved/careers/

The National Consumer Law Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and believes that diversity strengthens our work. Employment decisions are made based on merit and without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, military service or status, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy or a condition related to pregnancy, ancestry, political affiliation or beliefs, or any factors unrelated to the skills and qualifications for the position in question. Individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment screening, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resources Manager at careers@nclc.org

Bankruptcy Attorney – NCLC

Bankruptcy Attorney Position

The National Consumer Law Center® (NCLC) is seeking an attorney to fight for economic and racial justice as a member of our advocacy staff.  The attorney will have or develop fluency in the bankruptcy code as a tool to remedy systemic inequities affecting low-income and other disadvantaged communities. The attorney will assume primary responsibility for  NCLC’s bankruptcy-related advocacy and work on other consumer law issues as needs arise.

This is a full time position. The attorney will engage in legislative, agency, and rules-based advocacy to improve bankruptcy laws and make bankruptcy relief more accessible to low-income people; train consumer advocates; consult and provide technical assistance on individual cases; update and revise bankruptcy-related chapters of NCLC’s manuals; and write public facing reports, issue briefs, and articles. The attorney’s primary focus will be on consumer bankruptcy cases filed under chapter 7 and 13. At times, this position will also require developing strategies for protecting consumers as creditors in corporate bankruptcy cases and assisting other consumer advocates in applying those strategies. Duties include: research and writing, conducting trainings, policy advocacy, and public speaking. The attorney will also participate actively in various NCLC advocacy teams that intersect with bankruptcy issues, including student loans, debt collection, credit reporting, auto lending, and homeownership.

This position may be located in NCLC’s Boston or DC office on a hybrid basis (with work in the office a minimum of 2 days per week), or remotely with occasional travel to Boston and Washington, DC. Relocation assistance is available for new hires who wish to relocate to the Boston or DC office.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A law degree from an accredited law school

  • Admission to the bar in good standing in at least one state

  • Strong legal, analytical, and writing skills

  • At least 5 years of consumer bankruptcy litigation experience

  • Experience representing low-income consumers in bankruptcy cases preferred

  • Strong communication skills, including effective and persuasive writing, public speaking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse coalitions, funders, and the media, including a track record of building connections between people and organizations to advance shared objectives

  • Ability to represent NCLC in a range of situations, including media interviews, fundraising relationships, and public testimony

  • Ability to be flexible, collaborative, diplomatic, and proactive and to work with staff throughout NCLC

  • Demonstrated commitment to racial justice, and to advocating for equity for low-income and other historically marginalized and economically disadvantaged people and communities

Salary: NCLC pays on a competitive salary scale, commensurate with years of legal experience.  For example, starting annual pay at 5 years is $119,800; 10 years $147,000;  15 years $166,800; 20 years $184,000. Benefits: NCLC offers an outstanding and generous benefits package that includes employer-paid medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as pre-tax savings plans, a retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and generous paid time off including holidays, sick time, personal time, parental and family leave, and 4 weeks of paid vacation per year.

How to Apply:  Please submit a resume, cover letter, and legal writing sample (such as a legal brief) to careers@nclc.org (subject line: Bankruptcy Attorney) and/or complete the online employment application https://forms.gle/KxCDbAEvY4YcCGF3A

While applications will be considered on a rolling basis, priority consideration will be given to applicants who apply by July 20th.

NCLC is a nonprofit, public interest advocacy organization that seeks to build economic security and family wealth for low-income and other economically disadvantaged people.  NCLC is a leading source of legal and public policy expertise on consumer issues for lawyers, federal and state policymakers, consumer advocates, journalists, and front-line service providers. NCLC provides a supportive and flexible working environment, with highly talented and committed staff, exciting work, and the opportunity to have a significant impact on issues affecting low-income consumers.  For more information, please see our website at www.nclc.org.

The National Consumer Law Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and believes that diversity strengthens our work. Employment decisions are made based on merit and without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, military service or status, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy or a condition related to pregnancy, ancestry, political affiliation or beliefs, or any factors unrelated to the skills and qualifications for the position in question. Individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment screening, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resources Manager at careers@nclc.org

Consumer Attorney: Energy and Utilities Unit – NCLC

The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) is seeking an experienced attorney to work for economic justice for low-income and other disadvantaged communities as a member of NCLC’s Energy and Utilities Unit. The attorney will support state advocates in the southeast working to advance energy affordability before utility commissions and legislators. 

The attorney will provide technical assistance for administrative litigation before state utility commissions and will intervene in selected proceedings in conjunction with local advocacy partners. The attorney will participate in a coalition of consumer advocates primarily based in the southeast, and will help to develop partnerships with advocates in the region. Additional duties include: research and writing, conducting trainings, and public speaking. The attorney will also participate actively in NCLC’s Energy and Utilities Unit and support our nationwide Energy and Utilities work.

This position will be a hybrid or remote role, requiring travel in the southeast, to Boston, and other locations as needed. A candidate who is located in the southeast is strongly preferred.

For more information, please view the POSTING.

New rules banning ‘junk fees’ are now in effect in Mass. Here’s what to know.

Below is the full text of a Boston.com article from 09/02/25.

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Full Article from Boston.com.

By Madison Lucchesi

“Junk fees” are banned in Massachusetts as of Tuesday.

Junk fees are “hidden, surprise, or unnecessary costs that increase the total price of a product beyond the advertised price” that businesses often don’t disclose until the end of the transaction,” according to the state Attorney General’s Office.

“Similarly, some businesses have engaged in practices related to trial offers, subscriptions, and automatic and recurring charges to conceal the total cost and nature of a product or service, while making it difficult for consumers to cancel or opt-out of such features.”

From additional renter’s fees to online trial offers, any undisclosed fees listed after a consumer provides personal information are now a violation of the  Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act.

“Today, as we build upon the Commonwealth’s nation-leading legacy of consumer protection, we make clear that ‘junk fees’ and deceptive pricing are not lawful,” Attorney General Andrea Campbell said in a release. “Amidst rising costs, these historic regulations not only provide individuals upfront transparency about the true cost of a good or service, but level the playing field for businesses by promoting trust and fair competition”

The new rules were announced in March.

“Unexpected and confusing, junk fees have proliferated across the economy, costing families at least tens of billions of dollars each year,” said Ariel Nelson, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center in Boston, at a March press conference regarding the rules. “These fees obscure the true price of goods and services, prevent comparison shopping, and make a profit off of gotchas.”

For trial offers, the business must disclose the charge amount, charge date, and the deadline to cancel before a charge occurs.

For recurring charges and subscriptions, the business must disclose the charge amount, instructions for cancellation, and whether or not fees will increase after a certain period.

Consumers who believe they were unfairly charged a “junk fee” can file a complaint or call the attorney general’s Consumer Hotline at 617-727-8400.

Breakdown of the new rules:

The new rules will require a business to disclose information as follows:

  • A consumer must be presented with the total price of a product, including all mandatory charges or fees, before they provide personal information;
  • Any charges imposed on a transaction, including their nature, purpose, and amount, must be disclosed;
  • Whether any charges are optional or waivable, along with instructions on how to avoid them.

On trial offers and automatic renewals, the business must inform customers on:

  • Any charges a consumer may incur as a result of accepting a trial offer;
  • Any products for which charges may incur as a result;
  • Instructions on how to reject or cancel a trial offer;
  • The calendar date by which a consumer must reject or cancel the offer;
  • The date the company will charge the customer if they fail to reject or cancel.

On recurring charges and subscriptions, businesses must disclose:

  • What charges consumers will incur and whether any fees will increase after a certain period;
  • If charges will occur regularly, unless cancelled;
  • Instructions on how to cancel a recurring charge or subscription.

As summers grow deadlier, here’s what to know about utility shutoffs

Below is the full text of a Boston Herald article from 09/05/25.

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Full Article from the Boston Herald.

By Cora Lewis

NEW YORK (AP) — As the cost of electricity outpaces inflation and summers grow deadlier, consumer advocates are sounding alarms about the risks to low-income people who can’t afford consistent air conditioning in dangerous temperatures.

While about half of U.S. states offer protections from utility shutoffs during extreme heat, the rest do not. In contrast, 41 states have “cold weather rules,” which forbid utility companies from shutting off household heat during extreme cold. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides funds for vulnerable groups who have trouble affording heating bills in the winter, but the program has less funding available to meet consumers’ increasing needs in the summer months.

Shylee Johnson, 27, based in Wichita, Kansas, saw firsthand the protection that the local Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) brought to her community during the three years she worked as a case manager for families who were behind on utility bills.

“It was amazing at keeping people’s electricity on in the winter,” she said of the program, which subsidizes costs for households who can’t afford utility expenses. “Families would be deciding between paying their heating bill or another bill, and this took that decision away.”

In the summer, though, Johnson said she’s seen how late or missed utility payments can result in the shutoff of electricity and the removal of vital services, despite air conditioning becoming increasingly essential to families’ health and well-being.

“It’s terrifying,” she said. “There’s a ‘cold weather rule’ — in freezing temperatures, your heat can’t be turned off. But there isn’t an equivalent for summer in Kansas.”

The clients Johnson served were often the most vulnerable, including families with young children, pregnant people, and those with sick or disabled family members, including some who need electricity to operate essential medical equipment in their homes. LIHEAP also sometimes provides air conditioning units in the summer for households that can’t afford to purchase their own units.

Recent studies show that extreme heat in the summer is now the leading cause of weather-related deaths, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That’s ahead of deaths due to extreme cold in the winter or other weather emergencies, like hurricanes or tornadoes. The frequency, duration and intensity of extreme heat waves has significantly increased over the past several decades, according to the EPA, and insignificant support for low-income households contributes to the danger.

In 2023, the death certificates of more than 2,300 people who died in the summer mention the effects of excessive heat, the highest number in 45 years of records, according to an Associated Press analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. And that figure is only a fraction of the real death toll, according to coroner, hospital, and ambulance records, also analyzed by the AP.

Nationally, the cost of electricity has risen at twice the pace of the average cost of living, exacerbating the problem.

According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), which represents state program managers of LIHEAP, almost 20% of very low-income families lack consistent access to cooling. Currently, 26 states and the District of Columbia offer assistance with summer energy bills, while 21 states plus D.C. have policies protecting low-income families from utility disconnections during summer months.

Still, roughly 85% of LIHEAP resources are used for heating in the winter, leaving little support for households seeking cooling, according to Mark Wolfe, executive director of NEADA.

“Rules that were written thirty years ago, that were adequate for winter, are not adequate for the summer,” he said. “How do we protect vulnerable households both during periods of extreme heat and extreme cold? The rules haven’t caught up.”

Karen Lusson, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center who focuses on energy and utility affordability, said that many deaths from extreme heat in the summer months are preventable.

“The impression we’ve all had is that weather is most dangerous in the wintertime,” she said. “Not any more.”

While the Trump administration fired the entire staff of the LIHEAP program in April, Wolfe and Lusson are hopeful Congress will approve slightly more funding for the program in the fall compared to the previous fiscal year, they said.

To protect households during increasingly hotter summers, Lusson recommends individuals seek information about their rights when it comes to utility shutoffs. State utility commissions, which regulate public utilities, dictate local rules. To find your relevant commission, consult the government site operated by the national association of regulatory commissions, which has a state-by-state look-up tool.

Lusson also encourages people to look into whether their state protections are calendar- or temperature-based, which can make a difference in planning. While some states forbid shut-offs during certain months of the year, others base the protections on the temperature of a given day or the presence of a heat advisory. This LIHEAP site has a break-down of every state’s policies.

Some state attorney generals’ offices also have public utility bureaus that advocate on behalf of consumers, Lusson said.

Lastly, it can be helpful to determine if your utility company offers discount rates or percentage-of-income payment plans to help with electricity bills. Both commission and utility websites have specific information about how to access LIHEAP assistance and whether or not the utility company itself offers assistance.

The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.

 

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