Staff Attorney

Our client is a nonprofit civil legal aid organization committed to ensuring equal access to justice for low-income residents of three northern New Jersey counties. To fulfill this mission, the organization provides a full array of free civil legal services, including legal representation, advocacy, advice, community legal education, and other support to those who need it most.

Summary

We are seeking a mission-driven Staff Attorney to join our client's team. In this role, you will provide qualified clients with legal counsel, representation at administrative hearings and court proceedings, appellate work, and other extended services. You will work with individuals and families navigating complex legal matters, including:

• Veterans benefits claims
• Public benefits
• Housing (including eviction defense and landlord-tenant matters)
• Immigration
• Family law
• Tax matters
• Consumer-related matters

This is a full-time position offering a hybrid work schedule and 35 hour weeks. The organization maintains office locations across all three counties, with easy commuting access throughout northern New Jersey and proximity to NYC public transportation.

Qualifications Required:

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admitted to practice law in the State of New Jersey, or eligible and committed to sitting for the next available New Jersey Bar Examination
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and negotiation abilities
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, public interest law, and serving low-income communities
• Ability to manage a varied caseload across multiple practice areas with professionalism and care

Preferred:

• Prior experience in one or more of the following areas: veterans law, public benefits, housing, immigration, family law, tax, or consumer protection
• Prior experience in legal aid, non-profit law, or public interest work
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
• Familiarity with legal case management systems

Responsibilities

• Provide direct legal representation to qualified low-income clients in civil matters across multiple practice areas
• Advise clients on their legal rights, options, and case strategy
• Represent clients at outreach initiatives
• Maintain accurate and timely case records in compliance with organizational standards
• Travel between office locations across the three-county service area as needed
• administrative hearings and court proceedings at all levels
• Prepare and file pleadings, motions, briefs, and appeals
• Conduct legal research and draft legal documents with precision and clarity
• Collaborate with colleagues, community partners, and advocacy organizations
• Participate in community legal education

Extensive Benefit Package

Our client offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support the whole person and recognize the value of public interest work:

Health & Wellness:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance coverage

Retirement:

• 401(a) and 403(b) retirement plans (Pension Included)

Time Off:

• 20 days paid vacation to start
• Generous PTO package

Work Flexibility:

• Hybrid remote work schedule (2 remote / 3 in-office days per week after 90-day onboarding period)
• 35-hour workweek

Professional Development:

• In-house training programs that offer Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit
• Access to federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) programs for qualifying employees

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The organization proudly supports individuals with disabilities and veterans and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. They actively seek a diverse workforce that reflects the communities they serve and are dedicated to fostering equity and inclusion at every level.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact your BSI recruiter and we will work with you to meet your needs.