Jobs at WMLS

WMLS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital and family status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran.

WMLS currently has this position available. 

STAFF ATTORNEY

RISE Legal Services Project

Western Massachusetts Legal Services Inc. (WMLS) seeks applications for a staff attorney whose responsibility will be to lead an exciting new project, Refugee and Immigrant Safety and Empowerment (RISE) to provide legal services for low-income immigrant and refugee victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking throughout the four western Massachusetts counties. The major responsibilities of this position will be: 1) to provide direct holistic legal representation for immigrant and refugee victims of domestic violence; 2) to provide legal training and support to domestic violence legal and social work advocates who work with immigrant and refugee victims; and (3) to increase domestic violence awareness in target population communities by creating and strengthening partnerships among the agencies who provide outreach and services to immigrants and refugees. Building upon a partnership of domestic violence victims services and immigrant services organizations established through a Department of Justice Legal Assistance for Victims grant project, the RISE attorney will work as part of a growing immigration law unit being developed both at WMLS and as part of a regional partnership with the Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts (LACCM).

WMLS is a private, non-profit organization with a long tradition of providing quality civil legal aid to individuals and families, and engaging in aggressive advocacy in all forums to address legal challenges facing poor people in our community. WMLS is principally supported by state and IOLTA funds and does not receive support from the Legal Services Corporation. Therefore we can represent low income people using all available legal strategies. 

Nestled in the beautiful Pioneer Valley region, with proximity to New York and Boston, western Massachusetts offers a unique blend of rural New England living with a wide range of cultural, educational and recreational opportunities. 

Requirements: A minimum of one to three years of experience in family law including providing legal representation to victims of domestic violence. Experience with immigration law, particularly regarding issues such as VAWA Self-Petitions, Cancellations of Removal and U Visas is a priority. Bilingual ability (particularly Spanish, Vietnamese, Khmer or Russian) is a very strong preference.

Additional requirements include: Admission to the bar; strong legal and communication skills; demonstrable experience with low-income populations; the ability to relate effectively to a diverse clientele. 

This position will involve some travel throughout the western Massachusetts region.

Salary/Benefits: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental, disability and life insurance; pre-tax flexible benefit and retirement plans; law school loan payment assistance; generous vacation and sick leave; and excellent training and professional development opportunities.  

To Apply: Resumes are requested by February 25, 2009. Please email, mail or FAX to: Juliet Hansen, Executive Assistant, WMLS, One Monarch Place - 4th Floor, Springfield, MA 01144; [email protected]; FAX - 413-746-3221