Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), a statewide legal services organization, seeks a full-time staff
attorney to join our dynamic team. The attorney will join our housing team and will focus on
eviction defense and housing stability for tenants across the state.
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 for the most vulnerable members of our community. VLJ
operates 9 distinct pro bono programs and has 21 staff members, including 12 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 work on VLJ’s Tenancy Program, providing direct representation 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, and conducting outreach
in the community.
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 experience working in the area of human trafficking, domestic violence, or
family law, 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 appreciated
• Valid driver’s license, as some travel throughout New Jersey is required
Salary depending upon experience, with a minimum starting salary of $65,000. 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.
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.
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.
People of color, women, LGBT people, persons with disabilities and other persons in underrepresented
groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
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