Are you an attorney passionate about advocating for immigrants and making a meaningful impact on the lives of unaccompanied minors? Do you enjoy shaping the direction of new programs? Are you interested in working in a hybrid environment with a flexible schedule? If so, please consider applying for New England Justice for Our Neighbors’ Staff Attorney position.
About New England Justice for Our Neighbors
New England Justice for Our Neighbors (New England JFON) is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) organization providing free, expert legal services to low- or no-income immigrants seeking humanitarian immigration relief. Now in our 13th year of service, we serve clients through two programs, one for general humanitarian advocacy and one specifically for unaccompanied minors. Our service area spans from Western to Eastern Massachusetts and extends down through Bristol County. New England JFON served almost 400 clients in 2024.
Position Summary
We seek a full-time staff attorney to join our Pathway to Hope team representing unaccompanied youth. The primary service area for this program is Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk counties. Due to federal funding uncertainties, this position is guaranteed for six months, with a real possibility of being extended several months or more.
We offer a flexible hybrid schedule and competitive benefits. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of immigration experience and will be bilingual in English and Spanish. While experience representing clients in immigration or probate/family court is preferred, we are open to training individuals who demonstrate the potential to excel in this role. Salary range is $75,000 – $85,000, depending on experience. We particularly welcome applicants with personal experience related to our work.
Responsibilities
- Directly represent unaccompanied minors, performing ordinary functions of legal counsel including legal research and formulating the legal strategy for the case, conducting client interviews, appearing before immigration and/or state courts or agencies, and preparing all appropriate legal documentation, applications, and filings for clients.
- Produce high-quality legal work and achieve
- Ensure data integrity by maintaining technical fluency with case management system and contract reporting system and carrying out timely and accurate data entry.
- Support contract and grant submissions and
- Participate in local coalitions of various stakeholders supporting unaccompanied immigrant children.
- Participate in occasional community and fundraising events for New England
Required Qualifications
- J.D. and admitted to the Massachusetts bar
- Demonstrated communications, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and manage numerous priorities and emerging opportunities; ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate as appropriate
- Excellent attention to detail
- Empathy, cultural competency, and commitment to serving some of our most vulnerable neighbors
- Maintenance of confidentiality and strict adherence to all professional requirements for the practice of law
- Experience representing unaccompanied minors (preferred)
- Experience working and communicating in a remote environment (preferred)
- Bilingual Spanish-speaker (preferred)
New England JFON requires client-facing staff to receive annual COVID and flu vaccinations with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions. Employees must have access to personal transportation (mileage will be reimbursed) and to a work space suitable for carrying out computer tasks and remote meetings. A computer, printer/scanner, and hotspot will be provided. This position requires occasional work and travel outside of normal business hours.
Salary Range $75,000 – $85,000, depending on experience. This position is an exempt position.
Benefits include:
- Medical insurance
- 401(k) with an employer match
- Generous time off policy
- EAP
New England JFON is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all identities with regard to race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, physical ability, and veteran status. We particularly welcome applicants with personal experiences related to our work.
To apply: Send a resume and cover letter to hiring@newenglandjfon.org.
New England JFON is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all identities with regard to race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, physical ability, and veteran status. We particularly welcome applicants with personal experiences related to our work.