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POSITION: Bilingual Intake Specialist 

DAYS/HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM with one unpaid hour for lunch  

REPORTS TO: Christopher Neighbours, Call Center Manager

UNIT: Eastern Region Legal Intake (ERLI) of the Volunteer Lawyers Project

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Boston, MA / Remote (Massachusetts)  

HOURLY WAGE: $27.48 per hour 


This is a permanent, full-time staff position at the Call Center. Candidate must reside in Massachusetts and must have access to a secure internet connection.

This position requires fluency in English and another language. Please be advised that selected candidates will be required to take a Language Proficiency exam.

This application will remain open until the position has been filled.

 

SUMMARY OF POSITION:   

Eastern Region Legal Intake (ERLI) is a project of VLP that provides callers with information, legal advice, and referrals; screens clients for legal aid eligibility; and conducts intakes in legal aid priority cases. ERLI receives nearly 15,000 calls annually from low-income Massachusetts residents seeking legal assistance. Without the services of ERLI and its staff, many of these residents may go without assistance. 

 

ERLI is seeking a full-time Bilingual Intake Specialist to answer calls, screen for eligibility, conduct intakes, give information and referrals, schedule appointments, and data entry. The Intake Specialist will receive ongoing training in standard procedures, customer service, data entry, and specialized legal education in order to provide the highest level of legal information, referrals, and advice under the supervision of a manager and attorney. 

  

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING:  

  • High School/GED Diploma
  • Fluency in English and another language
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

  • At least 1 year of call center experience or telephone customer service experience
  • At least 1 year of data entry experience and/or intake-related experience  

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:  

  • Knowledge of MA laws surrounding Housing, Family Law, Benefits and Consumer
  • Prior intake experience
  • Prior experience working in legal aid, the court system or a law office that handles civil cases in serving low-income populations.

REQUIRED MENTAL ABILITIES/SKILLS: 

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including strong data entry and typing skills
  • Ability to learn and retain new information quickly
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to excel working independently and within a team
  • Ability to learn and navigate computer, case management, software, and phone systems
  • Ability to be flexible and adapt to various client situations and changes in program procedures
  • Ability to manage stress and identify self-care as needed
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to analyze and problem solve quickly

REQUIRED PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS: 

  • Strong ability to navigate computer, software, internet, and phone systems
  • Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate over the phone and email

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

  • Conduct intakes by phone on the ERLI queue and respond to online intake requests for legal assistance
  • Apply legal training to client’s case facts and provide accurate information, referral, or legal advice under the supervision of the manager and supervising attorney 
  • Utilize case management database to document case facts and prepare case files for daily supervisor review
  • Schedule clients for advice calls and conduct advice call back appointments
  • Other duties as determined by Program needs

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.

POSITION: Bilingual Paralegal- Consumer and Bankruptcy Units

DAYS/HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, 35 hours per week (with 1 evening clinic)

REPORTS TO: Staff Attorney, Grace Brockmeyer

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Floor 2, Boston, MA 02110

* Hybrid- This position is currently hybrid, necessitating in person office attendance for 2 days weekly

Salary: $53,575

Click here to apply! 

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

As a vital member of the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) in the Greater Boston area, you will play a crucial role in supporting low-income individuals facing civil legal challenges. In this position, your responsibilities will encompass a broad spectrum of legal and administrative tasks aimed at facilitating the operations of the unit and providing effective assistance to attorneys and pro bono volunteers. In this role, your dedication to public interest work and commitment to promoting access to justice will be paramount. Your duties will include:

  • Case Management: Overseeing the entire lifecycle of cases, including intake, organization of case files, scheduling appointments, and maintaining meticulous records of client interactions and case progression.
  • Legal Research and Writing: Assisting attorneys and pro bono volunteers by conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and preparing for hearings or trials.
  • Client Communication: Engaging with clients to gather pertinent information, offer updates on case developments, and coordinate appointments or referrals to additional services as required.
  • Training and Support: Delivering comprehensive training and ongoing assistance to both attorneys and pro bono volunteers to ensure they are well-equipped to handle their caseloads effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING:

REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Bilingual

PREFERRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

  • Prior experience working in legal aid, the court system or a law office that handles civil cases
  • Prior experience with an organization serving low-income populations
  • Fluency in Spanish
  • Knowledge of MA laws surrounding Bankruptcy and Consumer
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, database and web content management systems, and collaborative project tools.
  • Ability to effectively engage with the private bar in recruiting and retaining volunteer attorneys.

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

  • Ability to use a computer and phone for several hours a day
  • Ability to travel to courthouses and other clinic locations in the Greater Boston area
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills internally and externally.
  • Excellent administrative and organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently and have the ability to be detail oriented.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment, be reliable and flexible.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Bankruptcy Paralegal Duties

  • Develop and maintain the administrative support for screening new cases to ensure client eligibility for VLP services and completion of files for screening by staff attorneys in a timely manner
  • Draft case referral memos to be reviewed by staff attorney
  • Provide the main telephone support for fielding questions from clients seeking to file bankruptcy.
  • Follow up with clients on cases after clinics that need further assistance or representation.
  • Provide administrative and technical support for volunteer attorneys during the duration of their bankruptcy case.
  • Assist with the recruitment of attorneys who will accept bankruptcy cases.
  • Report to supervisor when bankruptcy intakes and referrals need to be adjusted.
  • Organize and compile reports on intake and referral statistics.
  • Schedule clients and attorneys and intern volunteers for monthly bankruptcy clinics.
  • Set up monthly bankruptcy clinics in the office or at DotHouse.
  • Conduct intake of new clients at the Bankruptcy clinics to ensure eligibility; collect required documentation for bankruptcy cases and assist with obtaining credit reports
  • Attend trainings as needed for professional development.
  • Maintain Bankruptcy case reports
  • Delegate case processing tasks to interns as needed.
  • Assist with bankruptcy grant requirements.
  • Prepare cases for closing weekly.

Consumer Unit (shared with the Economic Fairness Project Coordinator)

  • Attend Consumer case review, assist with client follow up and case processing
  • Conduct intakes of new clients at the small claims clinics (shared with the Economic Fairness Paralegal).
  • Conduct post-clinic follow-up with clients and case processing to ensure documents and notes are accurate and current.
  • Follow up with clients on cases after clinics that need further assistance or representation.
  • Draft case referral memos to be reviewed by staff attorney.
  • Assist with the recruitment of attorneys who will accept consumer
  • Attend trainings as needed for professional development.
  • Delegate case processing tasks to interns as needed.
  • Track and report statistics (i.e., defaults) from consumer clinics to the Economic Fairness Project Coordinator for reports and outreaches.
  • Prepare cases for closing weekly.
  • Participate in other projects as needed to continue the VLP mission.

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions. 

Click here to apply!

 

POSITION: Staff Attorney – Consumer & Bankruptcy Law

DAYS/HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM with one unpaid hour for lunch

REPORTS TO: Natasha Lewis, Supervising Attorney Economic Fairness Unit

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Boston, MA * Hybrid

SALARY: Starting at $72,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience

 

SUMMARY OF POSITION:  

The Consumer and Bankruptcy Staff Attorney will represent clients in civil and small claims debt

collection cases and in bankruptcy cases, mentor pro bono attorneys, and supervise interns and a

consumer and bankruptcy paralegal who support the Consumer and Bankruptcy units. The Staff

Attorney will conduct training, answer substantive questions from volunteers, identify appropriate

referrals as well as participate in weekly Consumer Small Claims clinics and a monthly Bankruptcy clinic

as well as rotate as an on-call attorney at our call center.

 

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE: 

  • Law degree from an accredited law school
  • Admission to and good standing in Massachusetts bar
  • One or more years of substantive experience as a practicing attorney

PREFERRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

  • Experience with Legal Server case management software
  • Experience with Consumer and Bankruptcy law
  • Prior experience serving low-income populations and communities

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to absorb and retain new information quickly
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to excel working independently and within a team
  • Ability to learn and navigate computer, case management software, and phone systems
  • Ability to be flexible and adapt to various client situations and changes in program procedures
  • Ability to manage stress and identify self-care as needed
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to analyze and problem-solve quickly
  • Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate over the phone, by computer, and in person

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Represent clients in civil and small claims debt collection cases at various District Courts and provide
  • Supervision at Consumer Debt Collection Clinics (shared with another staff attorney)
  • Represent clients in bankruptcy cases and mentor pro bono attorneys (shared with staff attorney)
  • Identify appropriate cases for referral to pro bono attorneys
  • Recruit, train and mentor interns and pro bono attorneys in consumer and bankruptcy law
  • Other program duties as assigned

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal

Opportunity Employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives

to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. VLP

encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.

Click here to apply!

 

This application will remain open until the position has been filled.

 

POSITION: Staff Attorney – Housing & Appeals

DAYS/HOURS: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM with one unpaid hour for lunch  

REPORTS TO: Rochelle Jones, Supervising Attorney

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Boston, MA *Hybrid

SALARY: Starting at $72,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience

 

SUMMARY OF POSITION:   

The Housing and Appeals Staff Attorney will represent clients in housing cases and single-justice civil appeals cases (though the representation in appeals should be minimal as the purpose of the Civil Appeals unit is to be a pro bono unit where private attorneys take the cases) , in various courts, mentor pro bono attorneys, supervise interns and a housing and appeals paralegal who supports the housing & appeals unit, identify appropriate referrals, co-manage the virtual Answer and Discovery clinic including the prep and post clinic work, as well as staff and supervise volunteers at the weekly Lawyer for the Day and Answer & Discovery clinics.  The Staff Attorney will conduct training, answer substantive questions from volunteers, identify appropriate referrals as well as rotate as an on-call attorney at our call center.  

 

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:  

  • Law degree from an accredited law school
  • Admission to and good standing in Massachusetts bar
  • Experience in Landlord/Tenant law and Summary Process and Appellate law

PREFERRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:  

  • Experience with Legal Server case management software
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice and serving low-income populations and communities
  • Supervision experience
  • Bilingual

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS: 

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to absorb and retain new information quickly
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to excel working independently and within a team
  • Ability to learn and navigate computer, case management software, and phone systems
  • Ability to be flexible and adapt to various client situations and changes in program procedures
  • Strong data entry and typing skills
  • Ability to manage stress and identify self-care as needed
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to analyze and problem solve quickly
  • Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate over the phone, by computer, and in person
  • Ability to use a computer several hours per day

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Represent clients in housing cases in various courts.
  • Represent clients in single justice appeals cases and mentor pro bono attorneys (shared with staff attorney and single-justice work is not frequent where the primary goal of the clinic is to utilize pro bono volunteers).
  • Staff VLP housing clinics.
  • Identify appropriate cases for referral to pro bono attorneys.
  • Recruit, train, and mentor interns and pro bono attorneys in housing cases
  • Other program duties as assigned.

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.

Click here to apply!

 

This application will remain open until the position has been filled.

 

POSITION: Supervising Attorney of Family Law & Guardianship Units  

DAYS/HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm  

REPORTS TO: Geraldine Gruvis-Pizarro, Esq. Director of Advocacy and Pro Bono 

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Second Floor, Boston, MA 02110 * Hybrid 

SALARY: $97,850  

   

SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association (VLP) is a non-profit legal services organization that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of Greater Boston, primarily through the pro bono services of private attorneys.    

 

The Family Law and Guardianship unit at VLP is one of the busiest units at VLP. The supervising attorney will provide oversight and support in substantive law and general litigation practice. A clearly defined substantive supervisory structure will elevate the skills of the attorneys in the Family Law and Guardianship unit and improve the consistency, accuracy, and depth of the advice and mentoring given to both VLP staff and pro bono attorneys, to better serve our clients and community.   The supervising attorney will also rotate as an on-call attorney at our call center.  

 

VLP is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ a diverse staff.    

   

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:    

  • Law degree from an accredited law school   
  • Admission to and good standing in Massachusetts bar   

 

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:   

  • 7+ years in full-time family law and/or guardianship law, including litigation.    
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite  
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills  
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines 
  • Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and with staff at outside organizations 
  • Ability to effectively engage with the private bar to recruit, train, and mentor volunteer attorneys 
  • Ability to use a computer several hours per day 
  • Ability to communicate in person, by telephone, and by computer  
  • Ability to travel to courthouses and other clinic locations in Greater Boston  

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: 

  • Maintain expertise in family law and guardianship law  
  • Lead weekly unit case reviews and provide oversight on follow-through  
  • Effectively and efficiently handle a small caseload  
  • Supervise weekly family law and guardianship clinics  
  • Provide substantive family law and guardianship supervision at clinics and as needed to unit staff attorneys, including answering questions and reviewing advice and drafts of  

documents and closing cases  

  • Develop training for staff on family law and guardianship and general litigation  
  • Supervise staff attorneys in the Family Law & Guardianship unit and the DotHouse Unit, including reviewing and approving time for payroll, approving time-off requests, and approving training requests  
  • Provide oversight of the DotHouse Unit  
  • Supervise and mentor paralegals, interns, and pro bono attorneys  
  • Review cases for merit and alignment with priorities  
  • Recruit and maintain relationships with volunteers from the private bar  
  • Conduct training for volunteers, often during evening hours  
  • Prepare cases for pro bono assignment, including reviewing memos and documents  
  • Assist in placement of cases with pro bono attorneys  
  • Monitor pro bono cases to ensure quality and competent representation  
  • Participation in legal aid coalitions and collaborations  
  • Assist with grant applications and reports  
  • Other responsibilities as needed  

 

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions. 

 

Click here to apply!

 

This application will remain open until the position has been filled.

 

POSITION: Temporary Housing Bilingual Paralegal – HILA Tenant

DAYS/HOURS: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM with one unpaid hour for lunch  

REPORTS TO: Supervising Attorney, Rochelle Jones

LOCATION: Hybrid/7 Winthrop Square, Floor 2, Boston, MA

STATUS: Full-time, NonExempt

SALARY: $53,575

*Operations are currently hybrid requiring 2 in person office days*

 

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking a Temporary Bilingual Paralegal to manage aspects of the legal and administrative functions for a Statewide Project related to COVID-19 evictions. Fluency in both English and Spanish languages is required. However, we encourage those interested to apply who are versed in other languages (oral and written), specifically those who speak Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, Cantonese, or Vietnamese as a large percentage of our client population is limited English proficient.

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, formally (DHCD) has engaged the Volunteer Lawyers Project to participate in a coordinated legal services delivery system to deliver free legal assistance to income eligible tenants and owner occupant landlords facing eviction issues due to COVID-19. The Project seeks to ensure that legal assistance is available to all who are eligible.

The Project will provide referrals, legal information, assistance and limited legal representation in all sittings of the Massachusetts Housing Court to preserve or achieve housing stability. The initiative will serve tenants in the greater Boston areas and income eligible owner-occupied landlords of up to a 3-family home in a statewide. The Project will provide legal assistance statewide to low-income tenants and owner-occupants who are at 200% or below the Federal Poverty Level in COVID-related eviction cases. Through the Project, trained staff and pro bono attorneys will help owner occupants and tenants as they navigate the eviction process.

 

This is a grant-funded position through June 30, 2024.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING:

  • Completion of bachelor’s degree and/or paralegal certification program
  • 1-3 years of direct paralegal or program management experience preferred

REQUIRED PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

  • Ability to commute/travel to and from courthouse locations and/or office, as needed
  • Heavy use of computer programs and applications
  • Ability to sit for long periods
  • Ability to communicate in person, by telephone and by computer

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/ABILITIES/SKILLS:

  • Fluency in English and Spanish (oral required and written desired/preferred)
  • Strong communication skills, both oral and written, in English and Spanish
  • Careful attention to detail
  • Reliable and organized
  • Customer service-oriented
  • Ability to independently manage multiple tasks, prioritize and meet deadlines
  • Compassionate and ability to work with low-income populations and be sensitive to their legal needs and socioeconomic status
  • Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office
  • Ability to be flexible with a sense of initiative
  • Ability to navigate through the Internet, research, and locate information
  • Ability to gather and present information
  • Ability to independently manage caseloads of rental assistance cases
  • Ability to independently manage and oversee large projects


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Develop a deep understanding of housing and landlord/tenant Law
  • Manage all aspects of case management, coordination of clinics, communication with partners, clients, volunteers, interviewing of clients and fact gathering.
  • Handle day-to-day administrative functions of the project, including but not limited to:
    • Intake and screening for eligibility;
    • Managing incoming referrals, data entry, client follow up, drafting documents;
    • Managing caseload;
    • Attending meetings and trainings; and
    • Collaborating closely with other members of the project
  • Perform other duties as needed or as directed

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.

VLP is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity and expression, pregnancy, national origin, veteran status, and military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

To be considered, candidates applying for permanent positions must be authorized for permanent employment in the United States.