Staff Attorney, Housing Justice for Survivors Project

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Law School?

Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

Job Description

Located at the crossroads of Jamaica Plain and Roxbury in the City of Boston, the Legal Services Center is a community-based clinical law program of Harvard Law School. Our longstanding mission is to educate law students for practice and professional service while simultaneously meeting the critical needs of the community. Since 1979, we have engaged in cutting-edge litigation and legal strategies to improve the lives of individual clients, to seek systemic change for the communities we serve, and to provide law students with a singular opportunity to develop fundamental lawyering skills within a public interest law setting. To learn more about LSC, including our six clinics please visit here.

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. 

As a Staff Attorney you will: 

• 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.

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   

Additional Information

Appointment End Date: This is a one-year term appointment, with the potential for renewal, subject to funding and department need.

Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-time

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Certification/License

Other Information:

We are interested in filling this position as soon as possible. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.  Candidates are encouraged to apply as early in the process as possible.  To learn more, please visit: Legal Service Center, Housing Clinic, and HJFS News. 

All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.  

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.