Tag Archive for: Volunteer Lawyers Project

Temporary Housing Staff Attorney – VLP

POSITION: Temporary Housing Staff Attorney – HILA Tenant

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

REPORTS TO: Lead Housing Attorney Rochelle Jones

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt 

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Floor 2, Boston, MA 02110

SALARY/WAGES: Starting at $60,000 commensurate with experience
*This position is hybrid that also requires in person attendance to weekly Housing clinics in Boston.

Click here to apply!

This application will remain open until the position is filled.

SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) seeks a Temporary Staff Attorney for a special project addressing COVID-19 related evictions. The staff attorney works in VLP’s housing unit to represent tenants facing eviction as a result of COVID-19. The staff attorney will identify appropriate housing cases to be referred to pro bono attorneys and provide mentorship for those attorneys. In this position, the attorney will also supervise paralegals, and interns who support the housing unit.  Additionally, the attorney will supervise volunteers at the weekly Lawyer for the Day and Answer & Discovery clinics. The staff attorney may also plan and conduct trainings and perform outreach. Fluency in a second language is preferred, specifically Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, Cantonese, or Vietnamese as a large percentage of our client population is limited English proficient.

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities formally Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) has engaged the Volunteer Lawyers Project to participate in a coordinated legal services delivery system to deliver free legal assistance to income eligible tenants and owner occupant landlords facing eviction issues due to COVID-19. The Project seeks to ensure that legal assistance is available to all who are eligible.

The Project will provide referrals, legal information, assistance and limited legal representation in all sittings of the Massachusetts Housing Court to preserve or achieve housing stability. The initiative will serve tenants in the greater Boston areas and income eligible owner-occupied landlords of up to a 3-family home in a statewide. The Project will provide legal assistance statewide to low-income tenants and owner-occupants who are at 200% or below the Federal Poverty Level in COVID-related eviction cases. Through the Project, trained staff and pro bono attorneys will help owner occupants and tenants as they navigate the eviction process.

This is a grant-funded position through June 30, 2024.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

  • Law degree from an accredited law school
  • Admission to and good standing in Massachusetts bar
  • Experience in Landlord/Tenant law and Summary Process

PREFERRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

  • Experience with Legal Server case management software
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice and serving low-income populations and communities
  • Supervision experience
  • Fluency in Spanish

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
  • Strong data entry and typing skills
  • 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 communicate effectively and efficiently over the phone, electronically, and in person
  • Ability to use a computer several hours per day

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Represent clients in housing cases in various courts
  • Staff VLP housing clinics
  • Identify appropriate cases for referral to pro bono attorneys
  • Recruit, train, and mentor interns and pro bono attorneys in housing cases
  • Other program duties as assigned

The 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.

Staff Attorney, Family Law & Guardianship

POSITION: Staff Attorney- Family Law and Guardianship

DAYS/HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (w/ some evening trainings)

*This position is hybrid that also requires in person attendance to weekly Family Law and Guardianship clinics in Boston and Woburn.

REPORTS TO: Geraldine Gruvis-Pizarro, Esq., Supervising Attorney

UNIT(S): Family Law and Guardianship

LOCATION: Volunteer Lawyers Project, 7 Winthrop Square, Second Floor, Boston, MA 02110

STATUS: Exempt, Full Time

SALARY: Starting at $60,000. Commensurate with experience.

Click here to apply!

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

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 staff attorney with a dedicated commitment to the communities and people we serve to work in our family law and guardianship units.

VLP is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ a diverse staff. Our ideal candidate is respectful of an inclusive work environment. Fluency in a second language is strongly preferred, specifically Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, Cantonese, or Vietnamese as a significant percentage of our client population is limited English proficient.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING:

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

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITITES/SKILLS:

  • 1-3 years in full-time family law and guardianship practice, including litigation
  • 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 the 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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Maintain updated substantive knowledge in family law and guardianship law
  • Attend weekly unit case review meetings
  • Effectively and efficiently handle a small caseload
  • Provide substantive family law and guardianship supervision at weekly clinics, including answering questions and reviewing advice and drafts of documents and closing cases
  • Supervise and mentor interns and pro bono attorneys
  • Review cases for merit and alignment with priorities
  • Conduct training 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
  • Other responsibilities as needed

VLP is committed to a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, disability, age, military or veteran status. 

Bilingual Paralegal, Bankruptcy & Consumer – VLP

POSITION: Bilingual Paralegal – Bankruptcy and Consumer
DAYS/HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, 35 hours per week (with 1 evening clinic)
REPORTS TO: Staff Attorney, Grace Brockmeyer
UNIT: Bankruptcy and Consumer
LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Floor 2, Boston, MA 02110
SALARY: $52,015

Click here to apply!

This position requires fluency in English and Spanish. Please be advised that selected candidates will be required to take a Spanish Language Proficiency exam.

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

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) represents low-income people in the Greater Boston area on a variety of civil legal problems, including housing, consumer issues, and family law matters. Many cases are referred to volunteer private attorneys who handle the cases with VLP providing training and ongoing support. This role supports the organization’s attorneys as well as the pro bono panel in all aspects of the legal and administrative functions of the unit, case management for the unit, and other duties as necessary to carry out the mission of the organization. Must be motivated and committed to public interest work and access to justice.

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING:
REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Fluency in English and Spanish

PREFERRED:

  • Prior experience working in legal aid, the court system or a law office that handles civil cases
  • Prior experience with an organization serving low-income populations

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED:

  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, database and web content management systems, and
  • collaborative project tools.
  • Ability to effectively engage with the private bar in recruiting and retaining volunteer attorneys.
  • Paralegal experience at Volunteer Lawyers Project

PREFERRED:

  • Knowledge of MA laws surrounding Bankruptcy and Consumer

PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

REQUIRED:

  • Ability to use a computer and phone for several hours a day
  • Ability to travel to courthouses and other clinic locations in the Greater Boston area

MENTAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

REQUIRED:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent administrative and organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
  • Ability to work independently and have the ability to be detail-oriented
  • Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and staff at outside organizations
  • Ability to exercise good judgment, be reliable and flexible

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Bankruptcy Paralegal Duties

  • Develop and maintain the administrative support for screening new cases to ensure client eligibility for VLP services and completion of files for screening by staff attorneys in a timely manner
  • Draft case referral memos to be reviewed by staff attorney
  • Provide the main telephone support for fielding questions from clients seeking to file bankruptcy
  • Follow up with clients on cases after clinics that need further assistance or representation
  • Provide administrative and technical support for volunteer attorneys during the duration of their bankruptcy case
  • Assist with the recruitment of attorneys who will accept bankruptcy cases
  • Report to supervisor when bankruptcy intakes and referrals need to be adjusted
  • Organize and compile reports on intake and referral statistics
  • Schedule clients and attorneys and intern volunteers for monthly bankruptcy clinics
  • Set up monthly bankruptcy clinics in the office or at DotHouse
  • Conduct intake of new clients at the Bankruptcy clinics to ensure eligibility; collect required documentation for bankruptcy cases and assist with obtaining credit reports
  • Attend trainings as needed for professional development
  • Maintain Bankruptcy case reports
  • Delegate case processing tasks to interns as needed
  • Assist with bankruptcy grant requirements
  • Prepare cases for closing weekly

Consumer Unit (shared with the Employment and Consumer Paralegal)

  • Attend Consumer case review, assist with client follow up and case processing
  • Conduct intakes of new clients at the small claims clinics (shared with the Employment and Consumer Paralegal)
  • Conduct post-clinic follow-up with clients and case processing to ensure documents and notes are accurate and current
  • Follow up with clients on cases after clinics that need further assistance or representation
  • Draft case referral memos to be reviewed by staff attorney
  • Assist with the recruitment of attorneys who will accept bankruptcy cases
  • Attend trainings as needed for professional development
  • Delegate case processing tasks to interns as needed
  • Track and report statistics (i.e., defaults) from consumer clinics to the Employment and Consumer Paralegal for reports and outreaches
  • Prepare cases for closing weekly
  • Participate in other projects as needed to continue the VLP mission

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. 

Bilingual Paralegal, Bankruptcy & Consumer – VLP

POSITION: Bilingual Paralegal – Bankruptcy and Consumer

DAYS/HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, 35 hours per week (with 1 evening clinic)

REPORTS TO: Staff Attorney, Grace Brockmeyer

UNIT: Bankruptcy and Consumer

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Floor 2, Boston, MA 02110

SALARY: $52,015

Click here to apply!

 

This position requires fluency in English and Spanish. Please be advised that selected candidates will be required to take a Spanish Language Proficiency exam.

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

SUMMARY OF POSITION:  

Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) represents low-income people in the Greater Boston area on a variety of civil legal problems, including housing, consumer issues, and family law matters. Many cases are referred to volunteer private attorneys who handle the cases with VLP providing training and ongoing support. This role supports the organization’s attorneys as well as the pro bono panel in all aspects of the legal and administrative functions of the unit, case management for the unit, and other duties as necessary to carry out the mission of the organization. Must be motivated and committed to public interest work and access to justice.

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING:

REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Fluency in English and Spanish

PREFERRED:

  • Prior experience working in legal aid, the court system or a law office that handles civil cases
  • Prior experience with an organization serving low-income populations

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED:

  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, database and web content management systems, and
  • collaborative project tools.
  • Ability to effectively engage with the private bar in recruiting and retaining volunteer attorneys.
  • Paralegal experience at Volunteer Lawyers Project

PREFERRED:

  • Knowledge of MA laws surrounding Bankruptcy and Consumer

PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

REQUIRED:

  • Ability to use a computer and phone for several hours a day
  • Ability to travel to courthouses and other clinic locations in the Greater Boston area

MENTAL ABILITES/SKILLS:

REQUIRED:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent administrative and organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
  • Ability to work independently and have the ability to be detail-oriented
  • Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and staff at outside organizations
  • Ability to exercise good judgment, be reliable and flexible

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Bankruptcy Paralegal Duties

  • Develop and maintain the administrative support for screening new cases to ensure client eligibility for VLP services and completion of files for screening by staff attorneys in a timely manner
  • Draft case referral memos to be reviewed by staff attorney
  • Provide the main telephone support for fielding questions from clients seeking to file bankruptcy
  • Follow up with clients on cases after clinics that need further assistance or representation
  • Provide administrative and technical support for volunteer attorneys during the duration of their bankruptcy case
  • Assist with the recruitment of attorneys who will accept bankruptcy cases
  • Report to supervisor when bankruptcy intakes and referrals need to be adjusted
  • Organize and compile reports on intake and referral statistics
  • Schedule clients and attorneys and intern volunteers for monthly bankruptcy clinics
  • Set up monthly bankruptcy clinics in the office or at DotHouse
  • Conduct intake of new clients at the Bankruptcy clinics to ensure eligibility; collect required documentation for bankruptcy cases and assist with obtaining credit reports
  • Attend trainings as needed for professional development
  • Maintain Bankruptcy case reports
  • Delegate case processing tasks to interns as needed
  • Assist with bankruptcy grant requirements
  • Prepare cases for closing weekly

Consumer Unit (shared with the Employment and Consumer Paralegal)

  • Attend Consumer case review, assist with client follow up and case processing
  • Conduct intakes of new clients at the small claims clinics (shared with the Employment and Consumer Paralegal)
  • Conduct post-clinic follow-up with clients and case processing to ensure documents and notes are accurate and current
  • Follow up with clients on cases after clinics that need further assistance or representation
  • Draft case referral memos to be reviewed by staff attorney
  • Assist with the recruitment of attorneys who will accept bankruptcy cases
  • Attend trainings as needed for professional development
  • Delegate case processing tasks to interns as needed
  • Track and report statistics (i.e., defaults) from consumer clinics to the Employment and Consumer Paralegal for reports and outreaches
  • Prepare cases for closing weekly
  • Participate in other projects as needed to continue the VLP mission

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.

Intake Specialist – VLP

POSITION: Intake Specialist  

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

REPORTS TO: Natasha Lewis, Call Center Supervising Attorney  

UNIT: Eastern Region Legal Intake (ERLI) of the Volunteer Lawyers Project 

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Floor 2, Boston, MA / Remote  (Massachusetts)   

HOURLY WAGE: $25.80 per hour  

Click here to apply!

 

This is a permanent, full-time staff position at the Call Center. Candidate MUST reside in Massachusetts and must have access to a secure internet connection. 

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

SUMMARY OF POSITION:  

Eastern Region Legal Intake (ERLI) is a project of VLP that provides callers with information, legal advice, and referrals; screens clients for legal aid eligibility; and conducts intakes in legal aid priority cases. ERLI receives nearly 15,000 calls annually from low-income Massachusetts residents seeking legal assistance. Without the services of ERLI and its staff, many of these residents may go without assistance.

ERLI is seeking a full-time Intake Specialist to answer calls, screen for eligibility, conduct intakes, give information and referrals, schedule appointments, and data entry. The Intake Specialist will receive ongoing training in standard procedures, customer service, data entry, and specialized legal education in order to provide the highest level of legal information, referrals, and advice under the supervision of a manager and attorney.   

QUALIFICATIONS: 

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING:   

  • High School/GED Diploma 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: 

  • At least 1 year of call center experience or telephone customer service experience  
  • At least 1 year of data entry experience and/or intake-related experience    

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

  • Knowledge of MA laws surrounding Housing, Family Law, Benefits and Consumer 
  • Prior intake experience 
  • Prior experience working in legal aid, the court system or a law office that handles civil cases in serving low-income populations. 

REQUIRED MENTAL ABILITES/SKILLS:

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including strong data entry and typing skills  
  • Ability to learn 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  

REQUIRED PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

  • Strong ability to navigate computer, software, internet, and phone systems  
  • Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate over the phone and email 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

  • Conduct intakes by phone on the ERLI queue and respond to online intake requests for legal assistance
  • Apply legal training to client’s case facts and provide accurate information, referral, or legal advice under the supervision of the manager and supervising attorney  
  • Utilize case management database to document case facts and prepare case files for daily supervisor review  
  • Schedule clients for advice calls and conduct advice call back appointments 
  • Other duties as determined by Program needs  

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.

Bilingual Intake Specialist – VLP

POSITION: Bilingual Intake Specialist  

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

REPORTS TO: Natasha Lewis, Call Center Supervising Attorney  

UNIT: Eastern Region Legal Intake (ERLI) of the Volunteer Lawyers Project 

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Floor 2, Boston, MA / Remote  (Massachusetts)   

HOURLY WAGE: $25.80 per hour  

Click here to apply!

 

This is a permanent, full-time staff position at the Call Center. Candidate must reside in Massachusetts and must have access to a secure internet connection. 

This position requires fluency in English and Spanish. Please be advised that selected candidates will be required to take a Spanish Language Proficiency exam.

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

SUMMARY OF POSITION:  

Eastern Region Legal Intake (ERLI) is a project of VLP that provides callers with information, legal advice, and referrals; screens clients for legal aid eligibility; and conducts intakes in legal aid priority cases. ERLI receives nearly 15,000 calls annually from low-income Massachusetts residents seeking legal assistance. Without the services of ERLI and its staff, many of these residents may go without assistance.  

ERLI is seeking a full-time Bilingual Intake Specialist to answer calls, screen for eligibility, conduct intakes, give information and referrals, schedule appointments, and data entry. The Intake Specialist will receive ongoing training in standard procedures, customer service, data entry, and specialized legal education in order to provide the highest level of legal information, referrals, and advice under the supervision of a manager and attorney.  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING:   

  • High School/GED Diploma  
  • Fluency in English and Spanish
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: 

  • At least 1 year of call center experience or telephone customer service experience  
  • At least 1 year of data entry experience and/or intake-related experience    

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

  • Knowledge of MA laws surrounding Housing, Family Law, Benefits and Consumer 
  • Prior intake experience 
  • Prior experience working in legal aid, the court system or a law office that handles civil cases in serving low-income populations. 

REQUIRED MENTAL ABILITES/SKILLS:

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including strong data entry and typing skills  
  • Ability to learn 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  

REQUIRED PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

  • Strong ability to navigate computer, software, internet, and phone systems  
  • Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate over the phone and email 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

  • Conduct intakes by phone on the ERLI queue and respond to online intake requests for legal assistance
  • Apply legal training to client’s case facts and provide accurate information, referral, or legal advice under the supervision of the manager and supervising attorney  
  • Utilize case management database to document case facts and prepare case files for daily supervisor review  
  • Schedule clients for advice calls and conduct advice call back appointments 
  • Other duties as determined by Program needs  

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.

Assistance available to low-income landlords (The Standard Times)

In a February 16 article, The Standard Times highlighted the Volunteer Lawyers Project’s (VLP) Landlord Advocacy program, which is providing free legal assistance to landlords with low incomes in Massachusestts. An excerpt from the article is below.

–

His tenant had not paid rent for close to a year, and the landlord filed an eviction action based on nonpayment of rent.

On the day of trial, with the help of housing court mediation, and the presence of the Wayfinders group, the landlord and tenant were able to enter into an agreement requiring the tenant to immediately apply for RAFT/financial assistance to cover the full rental arrearage and the case was continued to allow for the tenant to file.

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association represented the landlord for his next two court dates.

This case study is one example of the support landlords can receive if they are struggling to collect rent and make mortgage payments.

The statewide advocacy program focusing on the financial well-being of small, low-income landlords who are often elderly, non-native English speakers and/or people of color aims to take the pressure off.

–

Read the full story in The Standard Times/ South Coast Today.

‘I’m at my wit’s end’: Welcome to the underbelly of the region’s housing crisis (The Boston Globe)

Attorneys Zoe Cronin of Greater Boston Legal Services and Rochelle Jones of the Volunteer Lawyers Project, both pictured above, were featured in a Nov. 12 Boston Globe article for their work representing people in housing court in the aftermath of COVID eviction moratoria expiring.

An excerpt of the article is below.

—

Criminal court proceedings where the defendant faces possible prison time guarantees the right to a defense lawyer, but there is no such safety net for housing court. This means that many tenants who can’t afford a lawyer are battling potential eviction by taking it upon themselves to duel with polished attorneys representing landlords.The tenants often struggle to navigate the complexities of housing law and courtroom procedure. Louis is one of the lucky ones. She has legal representation: Zoe Cronin from Greater Boston Legal Services.

Many tenants are not so fortunate.

As of the end of October, there were 15,556 residential eviction cases brought this year in Massachusetts for non-payment of rent. Those cases include 21,629 defendants, the vast, vast majority of whom are defending themselves without a hired attorney. (Nearly 97 percent are pro se.) By contrast, only about 12 percent of landlords who bring forward eviction cases do so without a lawyer to represent them, according to statistics from the Massachusetts Trial Court.

Volunteer lawyers help both pro se tenants and landlords craft motions or offer representation during a mediation session, and, in some cases they offer full representation. The “lawyer for a day” program sets up shop outside a bank of courtrooms on the fifth floor. Many tenants, said Rochelle Jones, the housing and appeals staff attorney for the Volunteer Lawyers Project, struggle to articulate and defend themselves, to explain to the court what is happening in their living situation.

“The legal system is complicated, it’s complex,” she said.

Read more in The Boston Globe.