Staff Attorney, Housing Justice for Survivors Project

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Litigate an active docket of eviction defense and tenancy termination cases on behalf of tenants who are survivors of gender-based violence.
• Screens 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.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications: Candidates must possess 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.
• Additional Qualifications and Skills: We are looking for people who have: 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.

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
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks