Description:
Summary of Position:The Consumer and Bankruptcy Staff Attorney will represent clients in civil and small claims debt collection cases and in bankruptcy cases, mentor pro bono attorneys, and supervise interns and a consumer and bankruptcy paralegal who support the Consumer and Bankruptcy units. The Staff Attorney will conduct training, answer substantive questions from volunteers, identify appropriate referrals as well as participate in weekly Consumer Small Claims clinics and a monthly Bankruptcy clinic as well as rotate as an on-call attorney at our call center.
Required Education/Training/Knowledge:
- Law degree from an accredited law school
- Admission to and good standing in Massachusetts bar
- One or more years of substantive experience as a practicing attorney
Preferred Education/Training/Knowledge:
- Experience with Legal Server case management software
- Experience with Consumer and Bankruptcy law
- Prior experience serving low-income populations and communities
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
- 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 effectively and efficiently communicate over the phone, by computer, and in person
Essential Functions, Including But Not Limited To:
- Represent clients in civil and small claims debt collection cases at various District Courts and provide
- Supervision at Consumer Debt Collection Clinics (shared with another staff attorney)
- Represent clients in bankruptcy cases and mentor pro bono attorneys (shared with staff attorney)
- Identify appropriate cases for referral to pro bono attorneys
- Recruit, train and mentor interns and pro bono attorneys in consumer and bankruptcy law
- Other program duties as assigned