Description:
To be considered for this position you must submit an application through JotForm. Applications received on indeed will not be considered.Please visit the following website to apply: https://vlp.jotform.com/2622460152139503
This application will remain open until the position has been filled.
Position: Staff Attorney
Days/Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM with one unpaid hour for lunch
Reports To: Betsy Gwin, Deputy Director
Unit(s): Medical Legal Partnership, ERLI Call Center & Wills
Location: 7 Winthrop Square, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110*
Salary: Starting at $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience
Position is hybrid necessitating 2 in-person days each week, which includes weekly in-person court clinics in the Boston area
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 attorney who is committed to serving low-income clients and working with the private bar to expand access to justice. The Staff Attorney will provide support at our Eastern Region Legal Intake (ERLI) Call Center and lead our Medical Legal Partnership (MLP) and Wills Units. ERLI provides callers with information, legal advice, and referrals and conducts intakes in legal aid priority cases. The MLP Unit is an innovative partnership between VLP, healthcare providers and pro bono partners. The Wills Unit connects low-income clients to pro bono legal assistance with drafting wills, healthcare proxies, and powers of attorney.
Required Qualifications/Education/Experience:
- Law degree from an accredited law school
- Admission to and good standing in the Massachusetts bar
- Minimum two years of substantive experience practicing law
- Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively by phone, electronically, and in person
- Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues and external partners
- Ability to quickly learn and retain new information, including computer, case management, and phone systems
- Ability to effectively engage with private bar to recruit, train and mentor volunteer attorneys
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
- Ability to travel to courthouses and other clinic locations in Greater Boston
- Experience with Legal Server case management software
- Experience in one or more of VLP's practice areas
- Experience serving low-income populations and communities
- Experience recruiting and supporting volunteer attorneys
- Experience supervising legal work of others
- Experience developing and conducting trainings and/or presentations
- Maintain substantive expertise in at least two of VLP's practice areas
- Provide attorney support to the ERLI Call Center three days per week, including responding to substantive legal questions, providing guidance to intake staff, and reviewing intake cases for appropriate disposition and closure
- Manage and provide legal oversight of the Medical-Legal Partnership Unit
- Manage and provide legal oversight of the Wills Unit
- Review MLP cases weekly and determine appropriate case disposition and closure
- Identify appropriate cases for referral to volunteer attorneys
- Prepare cases for referral and lead weekly case review meetings with pro bono partners
- Recruit, train, mentor, and support volunteer attorneys from the private bar
- Provide substantive legal guidance and support to VLP staff and volunteer attorneys
- Participate in relevant legal aid coalitions, working groups, and collaborative initiatives
- Maintain a limited caseload and represent clients in civil matters within VLP's priority practice areas
- Perform other duties, projects, and responsibilities as assigned