Description

MLRI seeks an experienced attorney with a background in affordable housing preservation law and policy to join its Housing Practice Group and advocate on behalf of low-income and marginalized people statewide.  

Primary Responsibilities:  

Provide support to residents, legal aid advocates and community groups to preserve privately owned affordable housing in Massachusetts from loss of affordability, including naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH), privately-owned subsidized housing, and manufactured housing. Activities include work to preserve the affordability of individual developments, outreach to residents; property background research; developing legal and other strategies; support for tenant organizing; support for legal aid advocates in eviction defense work; negotiating with owners; outreach to potential allies, stakeholders, and professionals to support preservation efforts; and identifying potential preservation purchasers as needed.  

In addition, help coordinate statewide legal services support and policy advocacy on affordable housing preservation, including: advocating for legislative and administrative reforms; providing  analysis and public comment on housing preservation; developing community legal education  on affordable housing preservation; pulling together and distributing pertinent data; and  monitoring the status of affordable housing developments at risk of losing affordability.  

Ongoing Responsibilities:  

Together with the Housing Practice Group (HPG), coordinate and facilitate statewide housing coalitions; provide technical support for legal services advocates and community groups on housing preservation issues and other housing issues as they arise; provide analysis and public comment on housing-related state legislation, budget, and policy; and work with HPG to take on specific advocacy, technical support, and other projects as they arise. 

About MLRI:  

Founded in 1968, MLRI is a nationally recognized nonprofit poverty law and policy center that provides statewide advocacy and leadership in advancing laws, policies, and practices that secure economic, racial, and social justice for low-income people and communities. We pursue  systems change through impact litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, coalition  building, community lawyering, and other strategies that address systemic harm to low-income  people. MLRI’s approach is based on a racial justice and anti-racist framework and uses  community-driven and collective impact strategies to advance high impact change. MLRI also   serves as the statewide multi-issue poverty law support center for the civil legal aid delivery  system; our advocates provide substantive expertise and technical assistance and support to  front line legal aid field programs and advocates and to many serving low-income people.  MLRI’s housing advocates have played a significant role in advancing systemic solutions and  policy reforms that achieve housing justice, prevent displacement, empower communities,  prevent eviction and homelessness, and preserve housing affordable to lowest income  residents. We work in multiple forums through a wide variety of strategies in areas including  homeless prevention, public and subsidized housing, tenants' rights, fair housing, and housing  preservation, gentrification and displacement.   

Requirements

Desired Experience & Qualifications:  

• J.D. and licensed (or eligible to become licensed) to practice law in Massachusetts. Minimum 5 years legal experience. 
• Experience or background in affordable housing preservation. 
• Demonstrated litigation and/or policy advocacy experience.
• Project management experience. 
• Demonstrated ability to work with clients, client groups, community-based organizations and coalitions. 
• Excellent research and writing skills. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Strong organizational skills, strategic thinker, creative, and collaborative.
• Commitment to MLRI’s mission to serve low-income and vulnerable populations and to advance an anti-racist, community-driven advocacy agenda.  currently operating on a hybrid schedule.  

How to Apply:  

Please email the following required application materials: 1) a cover letter outlining interest, experience and qualifications for the position; 2) a resume; and 3) 1-2 legal writing samples to [email protected]. Please note that all required application materials must be submitted in order to be considered for the position. No phone calls please. 

Salary and Benefits: 

• MLRI offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment that emphasizes work-life balance.
• MLRI provides very generous benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 403(b) plan employer contribution of 5% after 6 months of employment, as well as vacation, holiday, and family leave.
• MLRI’s staff attorney salaries are based on salary scale range and are commensurate with skills and years of relevant post-JD attorney experience. For example, the approximate salary range for a staff attorney with 0-9 years of experience is: $70,000- 105,000 depending on applicant level of experience. Internal equity considerations and average salary of the peer range will be reviewed and taken into consideration.  

MLRI’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

MLRI is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We believe that having a staff, board, and volunteers from diverse personal and professional backgrounds and lived experience enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with lived experience of poverty and/or racism, and people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.