Status: Temporary, exempt position, full-time position. (We are also open to hiring someone who is available 24+ hours per week. If you are only available part-time, please let us know your ideal number of hours per week in your cover letter.)
Reports to: Managing Attorney
Location: Newark, NJ (hybrid position, with 2 days per week in the VLJ office)
Regular work hours: 9-5 Monday-Thursday* (VLJ is currently piloting a 4-day work week through the end of October 2024 and the office is closed on Fridays; a decision about the continuation of the 4-day week will be made in late 2024.)
Compensation: Minimum salary of $75,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid sick leave.
Start date: October 28, 2024 (can be flexible)
About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is a statewide civil legal services organization with the mission of ensuring 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. VLJ operates 8 distinct pro bono programs, employs 22 staff members, and has a panel of more than 1,700 volunteers. Common legal issues handled include eviction defense, debt relief, criminal record expungement, family law, education law, driver’s license restoration, and estate planning. VLJ also provides holistic legal services to veterans, families in Newark’s South Ward, and survivors of human trafficking. More information about VLJ can be found at: www.vljnj.org.
Job Summary
VLJ is seeking a temporary part-time staff attorney to fill a temporary vacancy in the office for 6 months. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of legal experience, preferably with some experience in housing law. The staff attorney will work on VLJ’s Tenancy Program, providing direct representation to tenants facing eviction. The staff attorneys will manage a full caseload that includes both conducting client intake, managing client data and files, conducting outreach in the community, and trying cases in eviction court. The majority of casework will be in Essex County and the courthouse is walkable from the VLJ office.
Minimum Requirements
• License to practice law in good-standing status in New Jersey
• 2+ years of relevant experience
• Prior experience working in a legal services or community-based organization is a plus
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong commitment and demonstrated passion for the mission and goals of VLJ
• Ability to work in a collaborative team model
• High level of independence, productivity, initiative, creativity, and good judgement
• Adherence to a high level of professionalism
• Candidates should be detail-oriented, have the ability to work both as part of a team and independently and have the flexibility to attend early morning or evening meetings/activities
• Experience working in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required
• Fluency in Spanish is appreciated
• Ability to travel regularly to court appearances and other off-site meetings and events
To be considered for this position, send a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and a resume to [email protected]. Please include "Temporary Attorney” in the subject line of your email. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
At Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, we believe a diverse and inclusive team fosters innovation, creativity, and collaboration, driving our work, and ultimately justice, forward. We hire based on talent, without bias toward age, familial status, gender identity/expression, involvement with the criminal justice system, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law. The more diverse and inclusive we are, the better we are. Come be a part of a team that champions justice while championing each other.
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