Pine Tree has an exciting attorney opportunity to work in our Farmworker Unit seeking justice for migrant farm workers across New England. Estimates suggest that more than 60,000 agricultural workers and their dependents work in New England on a seasonal or year-round basis. Many come to New England on a seasonal basis from Mexico or other central American countries, Puerto Rico or Jamaica. Outside Maine, most workers are Hispanic or Jamaican; Maine has a significant Haitian Creole worker population. Many workers lack basic rights, face exploitation and live in fear of reporting abuses. Their legal needs range from enforcement of state and federal agricultural worker protections and related employment laws to protection from sexual harassment. Pine Tree seeks a creative, dedicated attorney to help improve the justice system on their behalf.
The attorney will be responsible for developing and supporting an updated network in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut, connecting local legal service providers, law school clinics, and other state agency and nonprofit groups (including migrant worker healthcare and education programs) that serve that community in each State. The attorney will develop and provide written client education materials, training and ongoing support to agencies and other groups who are interested in this work, and provide case consultations and related support to local attorneys willing to represent agricultural workers with legal needs. To understand the unique barriers facing workers, the attorney should also expect to participate in some outreach to labor sites and other places where agricultural workers may congregate. Some travel outside Maine should be expected, especially during the harvest season. A small caseload of administrative or federal and state claims for Maine clients is also presumed and can expand as the network outside Maine requires less time.
Applicants must be admitted to the practice of law in Maine, or eligible to practice under MRCP 89(c). Previous employment law experience and a demonstrated ability to work effectively as a trainer and coordinator of services with disparate groups and organizations is required. Proficiency in Spanish is preferred; prior work as an advocate for low-income individuals (and especially agricultural workers) is highly desirable.
Applicants must be admitted to the practice of law in Maine, or eligible to practice under MRCP 89(c). Previous employment law experience and a demonstrated ability to work effectively as a trainer and coordinator of services with disparate groups and organizations is required. Proficiency in Spanish is preferred; prior work as an advocate for low-income individuals (and especially agricultural workers) is highly desirable.
NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG
