The National Consumer Law Center® is seeking two attorneys to specialize in consumer issues affecting low-income Americans. As members of NCLC’s advocacy staff, the attorneys will develop and implement strategies that help combat exploitive practices in the marketplace. The positions, however, are not identical. One attorney will concentrate on litigation, while the other will concentrate more heavily on policy and systemic advocacy. Both positions are in NCLC’s main office in Boston. Some travel is required.
NCLC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, ethnic background, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by law. Women, persons of color, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Founded in 1969, NCLC is a non-profit advocacy organization that challenges predatory and destructive business practices that drain income and wealth from low-income families and their communities. NCLC is the leading source of legal and public policy expertise on consumer issues for lawyers, federal and state policymakers, consumer advocates, journalists, and social services providers.
Qualifications for These Positions
Admission to a state bar and a minimum of two years of relevant experience as an attorney;
Experience in consumer law issues is preferred but not required. Examples include mortgage lending, foreclosure defense, sales fraud, credit cards, debt collection, car sales and financing, manufactured housing, credit reporting, credit discrimination, or consumer bankruptcy;
Excellent writing, communication and advocacy abilities;
Outstanding analytical and research skills;
Creativity and a high level of organization;
Ability to work independently and with coalitions;
Demonstrated commitment to working on behalf of low-income consumers.
Responsibilities for Both Positions
Researching and writing on consumer issues, including for NCLC legal practice manuals, newsletters, and other publications;
Providing legal and technical support to private and legal services lawyers, consumer advocates, and government officials;
Leading workshops and training sessions for lawyers and advocates;
Developing and managing projects;
Contributing to fundraising efforts by obtaining grants and contracts;
Supervising law students on projects.
Difference in Responsibilities for the Two Positions
One attorney will work almost exclusively on the listed job duties, but will also work on selected high-impact cases as part of NCLC’s litigation project.
The other attorney will spend a substantial amount of time on the listed job duties, but will spend the majority of his or her time working closely with NCLC’s two senior litigators to research, develop and co-counsel a wide variety of consumer litigation, primarily high-impact class actions and test cases.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is highly competitive with other public interest organizations and on NCLC scale that is tied to experience. NCLC provides a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent family medical and dental coverage and four weeks vacation.
If Interested
Please send a cover letter, your résumé, a short legal writing sample, and three references via email to: consumerlaw@nclc.org. Please reference “Consumer Attorney” in the subject line of your email, and be sure to indicate in your cover letter which position or positions you are applying for.
Applications should be submitted by April 15, 2009, but will be accepted until the positions are filled. Please do not mail or fax your application.
NCLC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.
WOMEN, PERSONS OF COLOR, AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
and NCLC