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 is a women-led organization that has been a pro bono leader in New Jersey for 24 years. VLJ
operates 8 distinct legal programs, employs 23 staff members, has an annual budget of $2.7 million,
and has a panel of more than 1,700 volunteers. Common legal issues handled include eviction
defense, debt relief, criminal record expungement, family law, legal name changes, education law,
driver’s license restoration, immigration law, 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.
VLJ’s power is in its people, with a mission-driven team that uphold the highest standards of
professionalism. We expect staff to be thought leaders in their field and innovative program
managers with an eye towards effectiveness and efficiency. We are a client-focused organization that
prioritizes seamless services to the people we serve. We are committed to fostering open, honest,
and inclusive dialogue and attribute transparent communication as a key to our organizational
success.
Job Summary
The staff attorney will join VLJ’s Tenancy Program, providing eviction defense advocacy and housing
stability for tenants in New Jersey, with a focus on Essex County. The attorney will provide direct
legal advocacy, including legal advice and brief legal assistance, negotiation, mediation, and full legal
representation of tenants in court. Additional duties may include: conducting client intake,
coordinating and staffing virtual and in-person legal clinics, recruiting, training and supporting pro
bono attorneys, placing cases with volunteer attorneys, presenting legal seminars, managing client
data and files, preparing reports, and conducting outreach in the community.
The ideal candidate will have a “can do” attitude and be able to adjust quickly to the changing needs of
VLJ and the communities we serve.
Compensation and Benefits
• Health and wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans provided at no cost to
the employee (employees may choose higher levels of coverage for a cost), supplemental
insurance (at employee cost), and employee assistance program to promote employee health.
A recent example of VLJ’s emphasis on employee health and wellness is our current 4-day work
week. Under VLJ’s model, staff are paid 100% of their salary, work 80% of a 40-hour week (32
hours), and meet 100% of their job responsibilities, providing staff with more time to live their
lives while having a greater focus on productivity while working.
• Financial security: Competitive salary and retirement savings plan to ensure your financial wellbeing.
• Work-life balance: Generous paid holidays (including Christmas Eve-January 1), PTO, and sick
leave. VLJ also offers a hybrid work environment with all employees working 2 days per week in
the Newark office, providing great flexibility to our team.
• Professional development: Opportunities for continuing learning and career advancement
through professional development programs and access to conferences, workshops, and
professional associations.
• Supportive environment: VLJ provides a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values
transparency, autonomy, and ownership, ensuring an environment where you can thrive.
Minimum Requirements
• License to practice law in good-standing status in New Jersey
• 2+ years of relevant legal experience after law school graduation
• Prior experience working in a legal services or community-based organization is a plus
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred
• Sensitivity to the needs and problems of people experiencing poverty
• 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 judgment
• 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
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Google suites
• Ability to adapt to the changing needs of the organization
• Ability to travel regularly to court appearances and other off-site meetings and events
HOW TO APPLY
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, with interviews expected
to start in late-March.
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. Come be a part of a team that champions justice while
championing each other.
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