Staff Attorney - Housing Unit, Access to Counsel Project

Staff Attorney - Housing Unit, Access to Counsel Project

JOB TITLE: Staff Attorney Housing Unit. Full Time, permanent, exempt, staff position.

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday, from 9:00am-5:00pm. Thirty-five (35) hours per week.

REPORTS TO: Advocacy Director 

OFFICE LOCATION: 63 Fountain Street, Suite 304, Framingham, MA 01702

HYBRID WORK: The attorney is required to work in-person at least two (2) days a week. 

SALARY RANGE: Salary is based on a union scale with a base wage of $73,000 plus experience credit if applicable. 

LANGUAGE(S): In addition to English, candidates who are fluent in either Spanish and/or Portuguese are strongly preferred. 

Summary of Position:

Founded in 1976, MetroWest Legal Services provides free civil legal services to protect and advance the rights and the well-being of people living in poverty, people aged 60 years and older, people with disabilities, and otherwise disenfranchised individuals living in the communities we serve. Through its well-established Housing Unit, MWLS provides legal assistance to tenants in their housing matters with priority given to individuals and families at risk of losing their affordable housing or housing subsidies. For this position, MWLS seeks an attorney to represent tenants as part of the new statewide Access to Counsel pilot program that will increase access to housing lawyers for low-income people facing eviction. MWLS is committed to providing a welcoming, equitable and inclusive workplace and encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds to apply for positions.  

BENEFITS: Strong benefits package includes generous paid time off leave, 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer match on retirement contributions, travel expense reimbursement plan, a multi-lingual increment for demonstrated language skills, and professional development opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

· Under the state-wide Access to Counsel pilot program, the staff attorney is responsible for providing direct and full representation to tenants facing eviction from housing involving a subsidy in administrative and court proceedings, including hearings before Housing Courts, District Courts, and local housing authorities. 

· Draft pleadings and other submissions to the court, assist tenants facing eviction with their applications for rental assistance and requests for reasonable accommodation.

· Maintain individual caseload.

· Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners also serving communities experiencing poverty and housing instability.

· Contribute to the development and distribution of program materials for the Housing Unit.

· Participate in statewide legal services coalition groups focused on issues related to housing law and access to counsel for tenants facing eviction.  

· As needed, provide guidance on housing law to advocates working in other substantive areas at MWLS. 

· Maintain current client and case outcome notes and data in MWLS’ case management software. 

· Perform additional duties as assigned.

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

REQUIRED: Juris Doctor and admission to the Massachusetts Bar in good standing. 

· 1-3 years of relevant work experience as a practicing attorney in a legal aid office preferred.

· Spoken fluency in Spanish or Portuguese is strongly preferred. Language competencies will be tested during the interview process.

· Experience representing clients in eviction or other housing-related matters is preferred.

· Commitment to race equity, anti-racism and economic justice in the workplace and in the provision of legal services.

· Demonstrated commitment and/or experience working with individuals who may have experienced poverty, trauma or discrimination, or possess lived experience in these areas.

· Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with clients, community partners and other stakeholders. 

· Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team; flexible and adaptable. 

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and deadlines; ability to manage a large caseload in a fast-paced environment.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Experience and comfort working with electronic case management systems and other technologies.

· Ability to travel throughout the MWLS service area and to occasional statewide events.