Public Interest Consumer Attorneys – National Consumer Law Center (Deadline: May 1, 2014)

The National Consumer Law Center is seeking three 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.  All of the positions include research and writing as well as policy and systemic advocacy. Some travel is required for presentations, conferences and the like. Two of the openings are unquestionably in NCLC’s main office in Boston. The third is also intended for the Boston office, but consideration will be given to NCLC’s Washington, D.C. office instead.

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.

Since 1969, the nonprofit National Consumer Law Center® (NCLC®) has worked for consumer justice and economic security for low-income and other disadvantaged people, including older adults, in the U.S. through its expertise in policy analysis and advocacy, publications, litigation, expert witness services, and training. NCLC works with nonprofit and legal services organizations, private attorneys, policymakers, and federal and state government and courts across the nation to stop exploitive practices, help financially stressed families build and retain wealth, and advance economic fairness. Please see our website at www.nclc.org.

Qualifications for These Positions 

• For two of the positions, we are seeking highly talented, experienced      attorneys. We will consider candidates with a minimum of seven years of      relevant experience as an attorney (legal internships and clerkships count      towards this requirement);

• For the third position, we are seeking a highly talented attorney with at least two years of relevant experience as an attorney (legal internships and clerkships count towards this requirement);
• Experience in consumer law issues is strongly preferred but not required.  Examples include mortgage lending, foreclosure defense, sales fraud, credit cards, car sales and financing, manufactured housing, credit reporting, credit discrimination, student loans or consumer bankruptcy; in addition, one of the three positions will require a focus on debt collection issues and extensive work on NCLC’s Fair Debt Collection manual;
• Excellent writing, communication and advocacy abilities;
• Outstanding analytical and research skills;
• Creativity and a high level of organization;
• Ability to work independently and with colleagues and coalitions;
• Demonstrated commitment to working on behalf of low-income individuals.

Responsibilities

• Researching and writing on consumer issues, including for NCLC legal practice manuals newsletters, and other publications, as well as reports and model legislation;
• 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.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is highly competitive with other public interest organizations and is on an NCLC scale that is tied to experience. NCLC provides a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent family medical and dental coverage and four weeks vacation, sick leave and personal leave.

If Interested

Please send a cover letter, your résumé, a short legal writing sample, and three references via email to: consumerlaw@nclc.org.  Please mention “Consumer Attorney” in the subject line of your email.  Applications should be submitted by May 1, 2014, but will be accepted until the position is filled.  Please do not mail or fax your application.