Senior Staff Attorney
Cambridge, MA
Category: Legal Advocacy
Type: Full-time
Min.
Experience: Senior Level
JOB TITLE: Senior Staff Attorney
DEPARTMENT: Legal Advocacy & Immigration Services
REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Legal Advocacy & Immigrations Services
JOB STATUS: 32 hours Full Time, Exempt
LOCATION: Cambridge, Greater Boston Area
SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday, Hybrid, Occasional Evenings
ABOUT THE LEGAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Legal Advocacy & Immigration Services Department is dedicated to empowering survivors by providing support & guidance on their legal rights and options.
We advocate for their privacy and safety, connect them to appropriate legal services and resources, and support them through legal systems.
Our team also provides specialized assistance to survivors that need assistance navigating and applying for certain types of humanitarian immigration relief.
We conduct over 3,500 legal advocacy sessions each year, amplifying our mission to offer unwavering support.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As a Senior Staff Attorney, you will play a crucial role in empowering survivors and advancing the mission to end sexual violence through healing, advocacy and social change.
Your expertise will ensure that survivors understand their legal rights and options, and provide support and guidance so they can make decisions that meet their needs and goals.
You will collaborate across departments, working closely with Client Services and, under the protection of attorney-client privilege, you will provide legal advice and advocacy.
Your work will encompass issues related to sexual violence, cyber harassment, stalking and more, ensuring holistic support for those affected.
As caseload permits, this role may include expansion to 258E representation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Deliver trauma-informed legal advocacy services to survivors, reflecting cultural humility and sensitivity.
Assess client needs, provide tailored legal guidance, and assist in navigating legal options in areas such as privacy, safety, criminal justice, employment, disability rights and immigration.
Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure confidentiality and effective service delivery.
Partner with Client Services to offer a seamless continuum of care for survivors.
Serve as a legal resource for advocates and community agencies working with survivors.
Stay informed of legal developments relevant to sexual violence and provide updates to the team.
Provide training on legal topics related to sexual violence for staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders
Build relationships with external entities, including law enforcement, prosecutors, and universities to strengthen support networks for survivors.
Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of client interactions using Salesforce
Offer weekly evening availability to accommodate client needs.
Champion our values of teamwork, collaboration, inclusivity and mutual respect while representing the organization in all interactions.
Assist in legislative, advocacy, and public statements on relevant issues.
Participate in external task forces committees, or working groups focused on relevant legal issues.
Foster professional connections with external agencies and private attorneys to support client needs.
Other projects and assignments as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active Massachusetts Bar License required.
Minimum of 5 years of of direct client service experience, with a demonstrated focus on sexual violence.
Relevant internship may qualify
Strong experience working with 258E restraining orders preferred.
Ability to demonstrate vicarious trauma resilience and foster a supportive environment.
Deep understanding of intersectionality and the impact of privilege and oppression on survivors.
Bilingual in Spanish required; proficiency in additional languages is a plus.
Exceptional attention to detail, multitasking abilities and clear communication skills.
Passionate commitment to the mission of ending sexual violence and promoting healing and justice.
Experience in public speaking, training, and the ability to simplify complex legal concepts for diverse audiences.
Adept at building and utilizing agency resources for personal and team sustainability.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The Staff Attorney role is a collaborative position that requires empathy, confidentiality, and the ability to navigate emotionally challenging content.
You will primarily work in an office setting, with some travel required to meet clients and attend court.
The position involves sitting, standing and the occasional need to lift items up to 15 pounds.
Evening work may be required and sensitivity to emotional weight of the work is crucial.
Prolonged computer and phone use are expected.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace.
We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and identities to apply.
We are dedicated to creating a supportive environment where every employee and client is valued and respected.
This comprehensive job description reflects the core responsibilities and expectations for the Staff Attorney position and serves as a guide for prospective candidates passionate about sexual violence advocacy.