Staff Attorney, Housing Justice for Survivors Project

Harvard University • Boston, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Legal Services Center (LSC) of Harvard Law School seeks to hire a Staff Attorney to join our Housing Justice for Survivors Project (HJFS) within the Housing Clinic. HJFS represents tenants who are facing housing instability due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. We represent survivors in evictions and housing authority hearings, advocate for survivors who need to flee their homes for safety reasons, develop affirmative impact litigation in federal and state court, train domestic violence and sexual assault advocates about tenant rights, and lead local, state, and federal law reform efforts aimed at improving the housing rights of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The HJFS Staff Attorney will serve clients collaboratively with a Housing Advocate from Casa Myrna.

Requirements

• A J.D. and be admitted to the Massachusetts bar or eligible for temporary admission pursuant to Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04.
• Three years or more of related experience required.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice advocacy
• Meaningful experience in housing law
• Experience or demonstrated interest serving survivors of gender-based violence
• Dedication to interdisciplinary work and partnering with housing advocates
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and an inclusive working environment

Responsibilities

• Litigate an active docket of eviction defense and tenancy termination cases on behalf of tenants who are survivors of gender-based violence.
• Screen cases for merit and help maintain and manage HJFS’ docket of housing cases that emerge from the partnership with Casa Myrna and other referral partners.
• Employ trauma-informed advocacy and client-centered lawyering practices.
• Collaborate with Casa Myrna through regular engagement, cross-training, program evaluation, and related efforts.
• Provide mentorship to clinical law students who are serving HJFS clients.
• Collaborate with the HJFS Director, law students and clients to develop and pursue strategic litigation and other advocacy to address systemic issues impacting survivor housing.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree