Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), a statewide legal services organization, 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 11 distinct pro bono programs. VLJ has 15 staff members, including 8 attorneys and a panel of more than 1,500 volunteers. More information about VLJ can be found at: www.vljnj.org.
The staff attorney will coordinate a number of VLJ programs, most likely focusing on the legal needs of low-income veterans and/or tenants. The staff attorney will manage a dynamic workload that includes both casework and program management tasks. Duties include: conducting client intake, coordinating and staffing legal clinics, recruiting, training and supporting pro bono attorneys, placing cases with volunteer attorneys, presenting legal seminars, managing attorney and client data and files, preparing reports, participating in VLJ’s fundraising strategy, and conducting outreach in the community.
VLJ offers an outstanding benefit package including medical and dental insurance, retirement account with employer contributions, paid holidays, and generous vacation and sick leave policies.
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 good standing in New Jersey
• 2+ years of relevant legal experience
• Insight into issues affecting our clients that will bring a new perspective to VLJ, which may be based on prior experience working with veterans, tenants, housing instability, or poverty, personal experience as a member of a historically marginalized group, or deep knowledge of a relevant body of law
• Prior experience working in a legal services or community-based organization is a plus
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to multi-task
• 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
• Experience working in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required
• Fluency in Spanish is appreciated
• Valid driver’s license, as some travel throughout New Jersey is required
To be considered for this position, send a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and a resume to [email protected] by 5:00 pm July 31, 2019. Please include "Staff Attorney” in the subject line of your email. Salary depending upon experience, with a minimum starting salary of $65,000.
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.