Staff Attorney

MetroWest Legal Services aims to provide legal advocacy to protect and advance the rights of the poor, elderly, disabled and other disenfranchised people in our service area and to assist them in obtaining legal, social and economic justice. MWLS is an exciting workplace with dedicated social justice advocates—join us!

Responsibilities include:     Represents survivors in domestic violence-related civil legal matters including divorce, custody, paternity, and protection order cases, thereby increasing survivor choice, safety, and economic independence. Educates survivors about their legal options so they can be empowered to make their own informed decisions, with the goal of minimizing the risk of outcomes that jeopardize safety and wellbeing.  Advocates for clients in collateral legal matters such as housing, benefits, and immigration. Screen clients for immigration relief, and coordinate with MWLS immigration unit to provide VAWA, U-Visa, and SIJS relief to immigrant survivors of domestic violence and their children. Performs additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Competencies include:  Admitted to Massachusetts bar (or a bar of another state**).  Two plus years’ experience in providing family law services required; focus on representing survivors of domestic violence preferred.     Demonstrated ability to utilize appropriate, non-judgmental communication techniques when responding to survivors that illustrates sensitivity to their experiences and needs. Prior experience interviewing and counseling survivors of trauma and abuse preferred.  Ability to work and advocate in a collaborative style with diverse ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic groups, as well as diversity based on ability/disability, sexual orientation and religion.  Spoken fluency in a second language (Spanish or Portuguese) preferred.   Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.  Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills.  Sense of humor and willingness to be a team player.

**An applicant who is admitted to the bar of another state must be eligible to practice as a foreign lawyer under SJC Rule 3.04 and become a member of the Mass. bar within 2 years. Salary/Benefits: Commensurate with Experience. Generous benefits package include three weeks of vacation, flexible compensation time, 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision dental insurance, employer match on retirement contributions, and extensive professional development opportunities.

To Apply: Email a cover letter addressing your interest and experience in poverty/public interest law and resume jobs@mwlegal.org.  Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

MWLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. MWLS encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.