Attorney

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION

Living in Freedom Together, Inc. (LIFT) is a Survivor-led, nonprofit organization where Survivors of systems of prostitution and allies collaborate in providing support to victims and Survivors of the sex trade - populations that are routinely neglected and marginalized by society. Our mission is to provide quality exit services and supports to prostituted individuals and to end prostitution. We have developed a comprehensive approach to accomplishing our mission which includes advocacy for social change and justice for survivors, leading legislative initiatives at national, state, and local levels, providing training and consulting services to community-based partners such as medical providers, social services agencies, and law enforcement, and developing and delivering education and outreach services for community members and academic institutions.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are looking for an experienced attorney to launch the LIFT Legal Clinic (LLC). The LLC will provide legal representation and court advocacy services for Survivors of prostitution and the sex trade. The LLC will utilize Survivor Court Advocates (SCA) to help eliminate barriers to Survivors participating in court proceedings, develop a pro bono network of attorneys cognizant of the challenges and barriers Survivors face while in the sex trade or attempting to exit, provide training on trauma-informed lawyering and other representatives of the justice system, work to shift the cultural attitudes of criminal justice systems towards prostituted and sex-trafficked people, and provide access to competent legal representation and justice for this underserved population.

The attorney position is a full-time, 32-hour position, that requires you to be on-site and travel to courts and government agencies as required. The attorney must be able to work nights and weekends as needed and be willing to travel on occasion.

This position will be equal parts lawyering and social justice advocating. We are seeking a unique individual looking to practice law, expand access to human rights, and work to dismantle systems of oppression including but not limited to racism, homophobia and transphobia, misogyny, and patriarchy. In addition, the attorney will work directly with the CEO and COO to continue to develop the LIFT Legal Clinic, growing the staff and expanding its scope of services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential functions of the attorney include, but are not limited to the following:

• Screen clients for eligibility and make referrals, as appropriate.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
• Conduct factual investigation and analysis as well as legal research.
• Advise clients of results of investigation and research and counsel clients regarding their options.
• Draft pleadings to include Complaints, Answers, and Counter-Complaints, memoranda of law, briefs, etc.
• Develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
• Prepare cases and represent clients during negotiations and in hearings, trials, and appeals.
• Ensure entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into LIFT’s case management systems.
• Actively build relationships between LIFT and the pro bono community.
• Provide robust consultation and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted a LIFT case.
• Act as a liaison between clients and private attorney involvement (PAI) programs.
• In coordination with Survivors and LIFT’s Team, help develop pro bono training resources and local training curriculum, including sample filings and guidance packets.
• Develop and present training material on trauma-informed lawyering.
• In partnership with Survivors, present trainings to pro bono attorneys and community groups.
• Provide both mentoring to LIFT pro bono attorneys and direct legal representation to LIFT clients.
• Work with various community groups and accept speaking engagements as assigned by management.
• Represent LIFT at local coalitions, courts, and agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

• Criminal Defense Law: 2 years (Required)
• Family Law: 2 years (Required)
• Mass Bar License (Required)
• Work authorization (Required)
• Must have a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and in good standing.
• One (1) to three (3) years of legal experience is preferred.
• Experience in criminal law, family law – specifically DCF matters, and/or housing law required.
• Litigation experience, including motion practice and trial experience.
• Ability to successfully execute multiple, simultaneous cases on time with quality results.
• Ability to travel throughout Massachusetts.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing.
• Be disciplined and nimble to ensure delivery on our core mission of access to justice and protection of Survivor’s wellbeing and rights.
• Excellent grammar and strong research skills.
• Strong knowledge of legal research software.
• Ability to appropriately prioritize and re-prioritize tasks in light of changing circumstances.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and work collaboratively with staff located on-site and off-site.
• Intellectual curiosity and ability to learn quickly, ask thoughtful questions and synthesize information.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma.
• Commitment to the mission of LIFT.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Familiarity with case management software and Office 365.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage projects.
• Willing to travel as needed for speaking or training engagements.
• Must be self-directed and motivated.
• Spanish language proficiency desirable.

NOTE

This Staff Attorney's job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Job Type:

• Full-time

Pay:

• $110,000- $130,000 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift Day shift Monday to Friday (4-day work week)

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Worcester, MA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)