Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), a statewide legal services organization, seeks a full-time staff
attorney to join our dynamic team. The attorney will primarily assist survivors of human trafficking by
offering representation on a variety of legal issues, with a primary focus on criminal records relief and
affirmative immigration assistance (T visas, U visas, VAWA, etc.). The attorney will also support VLJ’s
Divorce Program, assisting pro se litigants in navigating the NJ divorce process. At this time, VLJ
employees work in a hybrid work environment, with staff typically working in-person in the Newark
office two days a week and at home three days a week.
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 8 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 represent clients through the New Jersey Trafficking Survivors’ Legal Assistance
Program and Divorce Program. In addition to providing direct legal representation to clients through
the staff attorney’s own case load, duties will include recruiting, training, and supporting pro bono
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 work, volunteer, or personal experience
• Prior experience working in the area of human trafficking, domestic violence, immigration,
and/or family 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
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel,
PowerPoint)
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus
• Valid driver’s license, as some travel throughout New Jersey is required
Salary depending upon experience, with a minimum starting salary of $72,000. 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, LGBTQIA+ people, persons with disabilities, and other persons in underrepresented groups are
strongly encouraged to apply.