Staff Attorney

Legal Services of Northwest Jersey provides comprehensive civil legal assistance for people experiencing poverty in Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties. LSNWJ provides services in family, housing, consumer, bankruptcy, public entitlements, health care access, and expungements. We are a community of passionate people committed to securing access and equal justice for all.

Through funding from the County of Morris, LSNWJ is launching its new Project Relief program. Project Relief aims to empower individuals to achieve economic recovery, in part due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Project Relief attorney will have the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of consumer debt collection defense, including reviewing initial Complaints, counseling clients, litigating debt allegations, negotiating payment plans, defending wage garnishments, bank levies, and foreclosure attempts, and filing bankruptcy petitions. By removing obstacles created by debt, individuals will have the financial freedom to move forward and rebuild their lives.

The LSNWJ team is passionate about our work and creates a supportive team environment with work-life balance. LSNWJ is growing and has an opening for a Staff Attorney in our Morristown Office in Morris County, New Jersey.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides civil legal service to clients and client groups, including advice, negotiation, litigation, administrative advocacy, and appellate work, pursuant to program priorities and policies.
• Interview clients and ascertain substantive elements of their problems. Manage communications with clients during the course of representation.
• Conducts factual investigations; researches law; prepares legal pleadings and other documents; conducts negotiations.
• Provides representation to clients at court and administrative hearings.
• Provides training and collaborates with other legal advocates.
• Participates in committees, task forces, and working groups.
• Speaks to community groups about legal rights and LSNWJ services.
• Works with members of the private bar as may be necessary or desirable in connection with LSNWJ's pro bono program.

Competencies:

• Good capabilities with technology.
• A team player.
• Good analytical, oral communication and writing skills.
• Working knowledge of and strict adherence to regulations, ethics, policies, and procedures that apply to legal services programs.
• Thorough knowledge of and strict adherence to the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Proficiency with a second language is a plus.

Requirements:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• At least two-years’ experience as a practicing attorney.
• Licensed attorney in good standing in New Jersey or licensed in another state and committed to seeking NJ Bar admission.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law.

LSNWJ and its regional partners provide extensive training that offers CLE credit and a network of community advocates throughout the state. Staff engagement activities, program-wide community gatherings, and the employee assistance program's counseling and coaching promote a healthy work environment. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a health reimbursement account, generous paid time off, 401k, employer-paid tuition reimbursement, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending account, and paid parental leave. LSNWJ is a qualified employer for individuals seeking Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education.

LSNWJ is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We invite candidates to include a statement of how their background and experiences might contribute to LSNWJ's diversity and cultural vitality.

If you share our passion for equal justice, please email Nana Osafo at nosafo@lsnj.org with your resume, three references, one writing sample, and a cover letter. The position is available to start immediately. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Our office is currently operating on a hybrid schedule.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Morristown, NJ 07960