Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), a statewide civil legal services organization, seeks a full-time staff
attorney to join our dynamic team. VLJ’s mission is to ensure access to justice for people experiencing
poverty. VLJ fulfills its mission by mobilizing volunteers to work alongside staff to address critical legal
needs across New Jersey, advancing racial, social, and economic justice.
VLJ operates 8 distinct pro bono programs, employs 22 staff members, and has a panel of more than
1,700 volunteers. Common legal issues handled include eviction defense, debt relief, criminal record
expungement, family law, education law, driver’s license restoration, and estate planning. VLJ also
provides holistic legal services to veterans, families in Newark’s South Ward, and survivors of human
trafficking. More information about VLJ can be found at: www.vljnj.org.
The staff attorney will support VLJ’s work in several of the above areas. In addition to providing direct
legal representation to clients through the staff attorney’s own case load, their duties will include
recruiting, training, and supporting pro bono attorneys, presenting legal seminars, managing client
data and files, preparing reports, and conducting outreach in the community.
EXCITING PILOT IN 2024! As an employer committed to the health and wellness of our employees, VLJ
is piloting a 4-day work week for all staff from May 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024. The goal of the pilot is
to increase productivity so that clients, volunteers, and the public receive seamless service, while VLJ
staff have health and wellness gains. In this pilot staff receive 100% of their salary, work a 32-hour
week, and meet 100% of service deliverables. VLJ is working with an international non-profit to assist
with the design and implementation of the pilot program and successful service delivery will
determine if the 4-day work week is continued long-term.
VLJ employees work in a hybrid work environment, typically working in-person in the Newark office
two days a week and at home the remaining days.
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 experience
• Insight into issues affecting our clients that will bring a new perspective to VLJ, which may be
based on prior work, volunteer, or personal experience
• 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
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel,
PowerPoint)
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus
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.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
At Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, we believe a diverse and inclusive team fosters innovation,
creativity, and collaboration, driving our work, and ultimately justice, forward. We hire based on
talent without bias toward age, familial status, gender identity/expression, involvement with the
criminal justice system, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic
protected by federal and state law. The more diverse and inclusive we are, the better we are. Come
be a part of a team that champions justice while championing each other.
Posted on February 23, 2024