Staff Attorney - Housing

About Volunteer Lawyers for Justice

Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ) is a statewide civil legal services organization with the mission of

ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty. VLJ fulfills its mission by mobilizing

volunteers to work alongside staff to address critical legal needs across New Jersey, advancing racial,

social, and economic justice.

VLJ is a women-led organization that has been a pro bono leader in New Jersey for 24 years. VLJ

operates 8 distinct legal programs, employs 23 staff members, has an annual budget of $2.7 million,

and has a panel of more than 1,700 volunteers. Common legal issues handled include eviction

defense, debt relief, criminal record expungement, family law, legal name changes, education law,

driver’s license restoration, immigration law, and estate planning. VLJ also provides holistic legal

services to veterans, families in Newark’s South Ward, and survivors of human trafficking. More

information about VLJ can be found at: www.vljnj.org.

VLJ’s power is in its people, with a mission-driven team that uphold the highest standards of

professionalism. We expect staff to be thought leaders in their field and innovative program

managers with an eye towards effectiveness and efficiency. We are a client-focused organization that

prioritizes seamless services to the people we serve. We are committed to fostering open, honest,

and inclusive dialogue and attribute transparent communication as a key to our organizational

success.

Job Summary

The staff attorney will join VLJ’s Tenancy Program, providing eviction defense advocacy and housing

stability for tenants in New Jersey, with a focus on Essex County. The attorney will provide direct

legal advocacy, including legal advice and brief legal assistance, negotiation, mediation, and full legal

representation of tenants in court. Additional duties may include: conducting client intake,

coordinating and staffing virtual and in-person legal clinics, recruiting, training and supporting pro

bono attorneys, placing cases with volunteer attorneys, presenting legal seminars, managing client

data and files, preparing reports, and conducting outreach in the community.

The ideal candidate will have a “can do” attitude and be able to adjust quickly to the changing needs of

VLJ and the communities we serve.

Minimum Requirements

• License to practice law in good-standing status in New Jersey
• 2+ years of relevant legal experience after law school graduation
• Prior experience working in a legal services or community-based organization is a plus
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred
• Sensitivity to the needs and problems of people experiencing poverty
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong commitment and demonstrated passion for the mission and goals of VLJ
• Ability to work in a collaborative team model
• High level of independence, productivity, initiative, creativity, and good judgment
• Adherence to a high level of professionalism
• Candidates should be detail-oriented, have the ability to work both as part of a team and

independently and have the flexibility to attend early morning or evening meetings/activities

• Proficiency in Microsoft and Google suites
• Ability to adapt to the changing needs of the organization
• Ability to travel regularly to court appearances and other off-site meetings and events

Health and wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans provided at no cost to

the employee (employees may choose higher levels of coverage for a cost), supplemental

insurance (at employee cost), and employee assistance program to promote employee health.

A recent example of VLJ’s emphasis on employee health and wellness is our current 4-day work

week. Under VLJ’s model, staff are paid 100% of their salary, work 80% of a 40-hour week (32

hours), and meet 100% of their job responsibilities, providing staff with more time to live their

lives while having a greater focus on productivity while working.

• Financial security: Competitive salary and retirement savings plan to ensure your financial wellbeing.
• Work-life balance: Generous paid holidays (including Christmas Eve-January 1), PTO, and sick

leave. VLJ also offers a hybrid work environment with all employees working 2 days per week in

the Newark office, providing great flexibility to our team.

• Professional development: Opportunities for continuing learning and career advancement

through professional development programs and access to conferences, workshops, and

professional associations.

• Supportive environment: VLJ provides a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values

transparency, autonomy, and ownership, ensuring an environment where you can thrive.