Description

Family and Community Resources, Inc. (FCR) is seeking a passionate, motivated, and flexible Attorney to join our community-based domestic violence program. 

The mission of FCR is to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all survivors of trauma, including those impacted by domestic and sexual violence, substance abuse, bereavement, human trafficking and other causes.  With the understanding that the aim of equality and justice is ongoing, we are committed to modeling diversity, inclusivity, and equity within our organization to reflect the communities in which we serve.  

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides legal consultations to Family and Community Resources, Inc.  program participants, in order to identify and analyze their legal issues. 
• Educates survivors about their options so they can make their own informed decisions, with the goal of minimizing the risk of outcomes that jeopardize safety and wellbeing.
• Provides legal assistance in the form of “brief service” to FCR  clients for whom limited or full representation is not offered by assisting them with legal advice, the preparation of court documents and facilitating referrals.
• Advocates for clients in collateral legal matters such as housing, benefits and immigration.
• Seeks and attends relevant professional development trainings, conferences and coalition meetings within FCR and the community.
• Collaborates with Program Directors on outreach and legal education for participants in other FCR programs, community members, law schools, and partner organizations.
• Participates in weekly program and case assessment meetings.
• Performs additional duties as assigned 

Requirements

Qualifications and Requirements 

• Committed to FCR’s  mission of ending domestic and dating violence, and promoting social justice and social change.
• J.D. degree; admission to and good standing in the Massachusetts bar required. 
• Spoken fluency in a second language preferred but not required (with preference for Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole).
• Strong preference for candidates who identify as a member of a marginalized community as FCR works to be an inclusive and equitable organization.
• Experience in providing legal services (as a law student or attorney) to survivors of trauma, abuse and/or exploitation required; some family law and/or immigration experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize appropriate, non-judgmental communication techniques when responding to survivors that illustrates sensitivity to their experiences and needs. Prior experience interviewing and counseling survivors of trauma and abuse preferred.
• Ability to work and advocate in a collaborative style with diverse ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic groups, as well as diversity based on ability/disability, sexual orientation and religion.
• Familiarity with local legal services providers, community agencies, and resources.
• Computer literacy and strong data entry skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team with non-lawyer colleagues.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Models and maintains professional boundaries with callers, clients, and colleagues.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding clients and program participants.