Staff Attorney (Temporary Position)

Staff Attorney (Temporary Position)

Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) works with communities of color and immigrants to fight discrimination and foster equity through creative and courageous legal advocacy, education, and economic empowerment. In partnership with law firms and community allies, we provide free, life-changing legal support to individuals, families, and small businesses. We focus on impact areas that represent the front lines in today’s battle for equality and justice.

Job Description

Working under the supervision of LCR attorneys, the Staff Attorney will provide counsel and advice, short-term limited legal service, and full legal representation to clients referred by community-based health centers and other organizations. This is a temporary position, designed to cover the work of a Staff Attorney who will be on short term leave. We anticipate that one permanent position at LCR will become open in 2024; a candidate who successfully fulfills this temporary role will be considered favorably if they decide to apply for any such permanent position. Start date is flexible.

It is anticipated that the Staff Attorney will meet, interview, and provide counsel and advice to clients in-person and via zoom through weekly scheduled appointments, performing necessary follow-up work for clients as needed. LCR operates on a hybrid model. The Staff Attorney’s work may be conducted remotely and virtually with approval from LCR. Some in-person and in-office meetings are required (approximately one day per week). The Staff Attorney will assist clients with a wide variety of civil legal needs, including benefits, housing and immigration. Assistance will range from providing counsel and advice at scheduled appointments; to performing short-term limited legal services, such as written and oral advocacy or negotiation with landlords, or assistance navigating and securing disability benefits; to providing full legal representation in hearings before administrative agencies and in court. The Staff Attorney will work closely with referring health centers and organizations throughout the representation and will be responsible for tracking and documenting work performed and results achieved. As needed, the Staff Attorney may also conduct legal education workshops and seminars for client groups and/or for healthcare professionals, and may coordinate with other LCR attorneys in areas of overlapping need (e.g., coordinating with other LCR attorneys on other legal issues).

As a small but continuously growing organization, we all wear many hats and the work is often evolving, so comfort with change is a must.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of legal experience (although qualified candidates with fewer years of experience will be considered). Applicants must be extremely hard-working, highly self-motivated, and passionate about civil rights and serving under-served populations. MA Bar membership is required.

The ideal candidate will also have:Knowledge and experience with at least one relevant area of law (housing, public benefits, immigration or other public interest legal issues);The ability to work productively and efficiently with minimal supervision;Excellent writing, editing, oral advocacy, and analytical skills;Outstanding interpersonal skills;Experience working with low-income communities, communities of color and/or immigrant communities; andThe ability to work collegially with a wide range of groups and individuals.

Benefits

We provide a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including generous vacation and employer-paid health benefits. Highlights:3 weeks (15 days) of paid vacation (pro-rated);2 weeks (10 days) of paid sick time (pro-rated); We close the office between Christmas and New Year’s Day; andWe close the office for all local, state, and federal holidays (approximately, 17 holidays depending on the calendar year).

The organization covers 100% of health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance premiums for employees. At the discretion of the Executive Director, the organization will also cover reasonable expenses related to professional development and training.

Level of Language Proficiency

Spanish-speaking ability is highly preferred. Other language skills relevant to our client communities (including Portuguese, Mandarin, and Haitian Creole) will be considered a plus.

How to Apply

Please email employment@lawyersforcivilrights.org to submit your resume and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will begin immediately. Start date is flexible.