Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), a Newark-based legal services program dedicated to serving the legal needs of the poor in New Jersey, seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to join our team. VLJ’s mission is to improve the lives of economically disadvantaged adults, children and families living in New Jersey by empowering them with the tools, advice and pro bono representation needed to obtain fair and equal treatment within the legal system. To carry out its mission, VLJ operates a number of distinct legal programs, which include a Bankruptcy Program, Children’s Representation Program, Consumer Program, Disaster Legal Response Program, Divorce Program, Estate Program, Reentry Legal Program, Tenancy Clinic, Trafficking Victims Legal Assistance Program, and Veterans Legal Program. More information about VLJ can be found at our website at www.vljnj.org.
The Staff Attorney will coordinate a number of VLJ programs, and will be responsible for reviewing intake and advising clients, staffing legal clinics, recruiting, training and supporting pro bono attorneys, placing cases with volunteer attorneys, managing attorney and client data and files, conducting outreach in the community and some client representation.
VLJ seeks a highly motivated attorney with a demonstrated commitment to public interest law for this position. The ideal candidate will have:
• License to practice law in the state of NJ
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience working in civil legal services, law school clinic, fellowship, and/or clerkship is preferred
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Candidates should be detail-oriented, have the ability to work both as part of a team and independently and have the flexibility to attend morning or evening meetings/activities
• Sensitivity to the needs and problems of low-income persons
• Some travel throughout New Jersey will be required
To be considered for this position, send a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and a resume to [email protected]. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Please include "Staff Attorney” in the subject line of you email.
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Salary commensurate with experience.