Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), a statewide legal services organization, seeks four full-time staff attorneys to join our dynamic team. All four attorneys will join our housing team and will focus on eviction defense and housing stability for tenants across the state.
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 10 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 attorneys will work on VLJ’s Tenancy Program, providing legal assistance to tenants facing eviction due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing eviction crisis. The staff attorneys will manage a dynamic workload that includes both casework and program management tasks. Duties include conducting client intake, coordinating and staffing virtual and in-person legal clinics, recruiting, training and supporting pro bono attorneys, placing cases with volunteer attorneys, presenting legal seminars, managing client data and files, preparing reports, conducting outreach in the community, and representing clients in court proceedings across the state.
VLJ seeks highly motivated attorneys with a demonstrated commitment to public interest law. Ideal candidates will have:
• License to practice law in good standing in New Jersey
• 2+ years of relevant experience
• Insight into issues affecting our clients that will bring a new perspective to VLJ, which may be based on prior experience working in the area of housing instability, poverty, racial justice, or 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 a plus
• Valid driver’s license, as some travel throughout New Jersey is required
This position is funded for 1-year, beginning in October 2020, with the possibility of renewal after September 2021. 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. Salary depending upon experience, with a minimum starting salary of $65,000.
To be considered for this position, send a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and a resume to [email protected]. Please include "Staff Attorney” in the subject line of your email. This position will remain open until filled and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.