AmeriCorps Legal Advocates of Massachusetts (ALA-Massachusetts) is seeking 29 college and law school graduates to serve in 2016-2017. This is full-time service position, requiring 1,700 hours over 46 weeks from September 12, 2016 to July 28, 2017. Selected candidates serve on behalf of low-income people in civil (non-criminal) matters, and receive professional supervision and rigorous training. Our AmeriCorps advocates are placed in partner sites throughout Massachusetts, and are exposed to a wide range of legal activities including initial client contact and eligibility determinations, case development, legal research and writing, and hearings. Members also have the opportunity to do education and outreach in the community. Under federal rules, members cannot engage in political, union or religious activities while serving in an AmeriCorps program.
Housing is a primary focus for all of our members, but placements are in most of the major civil law practice areas, including:
- Housing
- Immigration
- Access to Government Benefits
- Education
- Income Maintenance
- Health Care Law
- Legal Problems of Elders
- Consumer Law
- Family Law
Benefits for the 2016-2017 year include:
- A $21,500 taxable living stipend, paid bi-weekly
- Health insurance
- A $5,775 education award upon completion of service
- The ability to place eligible student loans in forbearance with interest paid upon completion of service
- Child care assistance, if eligible
- Hands-on, supervised exposure to the practice of poverty law
- A national service experience.
In order to be eligible for ALA-Massachusetts, candidates must be:
- 18 years of age or over
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and
- Have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
ALA-Massachusetts is looking for candidates who have an interest in poverty law, a commitment to service, and strong communications skills. Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Haitian-Creole, Vietnamese, and other foreign language speakers preferred. Candidates willing to work in any region in Massachusetts will have a higher probability of being selected for interviews.