Description
Deadline for Submission:
Application materials will be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis; this is a fast-track hire and qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as possible.
The Position:
MLRI seeks an experienced, dynamic, and strategic attorney with a background in housing law and policy to join its Housing Practice Group and advocate on behalf of low-income and marginalized people statewide.
Primary Responsibilities:
Coordinate statewide advocacy on the Emergency Assistance family shelter system and rental assistance programs, including legislative and administrative advocacy and trainings. Coordinate and oversee development and updating of community legal education on housing and homelessness topics. These priorities may change based on the experience and qualifications of the applicant and efforts that arise at MLRI. Future work could include facilitating reforms that advance the elimination of housing discrimination and affirmatively further fair housing.
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 and homelessness issues; provide analysis and public comment on housing-related state legislation, budget, and policy; and work with HPG to take on specific advocacy 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 frontline 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 forms through multiple strategies in areas including homeless prevention, public and subsidized housing, tenants' rights, fair housing, and housing preservation, gentrification and displacement.
Desired Experience & Qualifications:
- J.D. and licensed (or eligible to become licensed) to practice law in Massachusetts. Minimum 5 years legal experience preferred.
- Experience or background in housing law and policy including emergency assistance shelter, fair housing, and/or landlord-tenant issues.
- Demonstrated litigation and/or policy advocacy experience.
- Project management experience is highly desirable.
- 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.
Salary and Benefits:
§ MLRI offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment that emphasizes work-life balance.
§ MLRI provides a 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 is 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 humanresources@mlri.org. Please note that all required application materials must be submitted in order to be considered for the position. No phone calls please.
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.
