Pro-Bono Coordinating Attorney

Role Purpose: The Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney is responsible for overseeing Housing Families’ Pro Bono Program including building a pool of volunteer attorneys, assigning cases, providing support to the volunteer attorneys, tracking outcome data, and providing internal monthly reports. In addition, the Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney will also contribute to the overall service delivery of the LAWS program by taking their own cases and participating in other program initiatives in the community such as pop-up clinic hours and Lawyer for the Day programs.

Responsibilities:

• Maintains a small client caseload as determined by funding sources, the Director, and other supervisors
• Recruits and monitors volunteer attorneys for the Pro Bono Program, training them on Housing Law if that is not their practice expertise
• Develops strategic vision for LAWS’ pro bono work; creates and implements annual pro bono program plan
• Creates, strengthens, and maintains relationships with law firms, corporations, bar associations and other entities
• Provides ongoing case management and monitoring assistance to volunteer attorneys, mentoring on Housing cases
• Builds volunteer training programs and materials for housing cases
• Develops client case files and screening memos
• Operates a smooth case placement process
• Creates and oversees quality control procedures, including case monitoring, case updates, troubleshooting, and ongoing communications with clients and volunteer attorneys
• Prepares statistical reports and uses the information to evaluate, improve, and promote the Pro Bono Program
• Creates and manages effective case closing process, including the timely closing of completed matters and the collection and review of information from clients and volunteers about their experience
• Stays current on laws and regulations applicable to the position
• Assists paralegals in assessment and intervention with clients
• Abides by the BBO and Agency confidentiality policies
• Participates in LAWS’ initiatives which currently include several Lawyer for the Day programs and legal clinics in Medford, Everett, Malden, Chelsea, and Revere
• Covers housing cases as back up for other attorneys and paralegals
• Participates in and making him/herself available for other projects as determined by funding sources, the Director, and other supervisors

Eligibility Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate and admission in good standing to the Massachusetts Bar
• Working knowledge of the impact of trauma and homelessness preferred
• Bilingual preferred
• Understanding of low-income populations
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to prepare statistical reports on various aspects of program-related activity
• Ability to collect and distribute information to staff members and volunteer attorneys
• Must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel in the Greater Boston area; and commute to critical appointments when necessary
• Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at a time walking up and down flights of stairs.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time at a desk while working on a computer.