Senior Attorney - Housing Unit

GBLS is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Accessible Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Greater Boston Legal Services has an opening for a trial attorney of 7-10 years’ experience to work in the Housing Unit, focusing on representing tenants who are at risk of eviction.

The threat of homelessness places unbearable stress on individuals and families in our community and rapid development is causing widespread displacement.   This senior attorney position will involve representing clients in housing cases, with a focus on eviction defense.  This is a supervisory position, where the attorney must have trial experience, preferably with jury trials, and should be able to supervise attorneys who have up to 5 years of experience.   The attorney, working as part of the GBLS Housing Unit, will use individual cases to promote systemic change.

The position involves developing and handling law reform, complex matters, and innovative case handling methods, including litigation, legislative administrative and community education activities.  Duties also include  responsibility for client cases including interviews, factual investigation, research and analysis of law, development of written and oral legal arguments, negotiation with opposing counsel, preparation for and handling of administrative and court hearings. The position will also include legislative advocacy, policy advocacy, law reform work, and supervising law students and volunteers.  Experience in handling cases that involve Section 8 regulations, public housing law, and EA shelter regulations is preferred.

Qualifications include at least 7 years of experience and admission to the Massachusetts Bar or comity. Experience in housing law preferred, however, extensive trial experience is required. Must have demonstrated experience providing effective supervision and consultation.  Written and oral fluency in Spanish or another language spoken by GBLS’ clients is preferred. 

At present due to COVID-19, most work will be handled remotely with limited work done in the office, requiring the ability to be able to work remotely effectively.

Salary is based on union scale with a starting salary of $72,500. GBLS offers a generous benefits package, retirement contribution, a student loan repayment assistance plan for eligible attorneys, and generous PTO leave.