Volunteer Legal Assistant

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Purpose of position:

The Legal Intern provides one-on-one support to WLP guests with the goal of increasing follow-through and success in legal matters. The intern will join meetings between attorneys and guests as appropriate, noting which tasks the guest will need to complete, and then staying in touch and helping the guest to accomplish them. Tasks may include: contacting potential legal services and private attorneys, accompanying guests to legal service intakes, gathering paperwork and documents, organizing and explaining information to guests and other attorneys, helping guests stay on track toward goals, communicating with attorneys and advocates, taking phone calls and reaching out to guests by phone or email.

Duties are to:

• Join the drop-in legal advocacy meetings between attorneys and guests on Tuesday mornings, 8:30am to 1pm, as requested and needed.
• Establish professional and supportive relationships with guests in a client-centered and respectful manner.
• Facilitate follow-up work with guests either on Tuesday afternoons and/or another weekday morning. Examples include contacting potential legal services and private attorneys, accompanying guests to legal services such as Greater Boston Legal Services for intake (most intakes are in the morning), accompanying to court for logistical and personal support, gathering paperwork, and looking up dockets at the court clerk’s office.
• Communicate with guests regarding their needs and concerns by phone, in person, and email. Includes being available at set times and reaching out to guests who have been out of touch.
• Communicate progress and setbacks to attorney and to Advocacy Manager.
• Work with guests, Advocates, and attorneys to create and adjust follow-up plans.
• Refer guests to Advocates for needs that can be addressed outside the legal system.
• Enter legal case notes into the Advocacy database by the end of each day.
• Research legal issues and resources as needed.
• Organize legal resources for attorneys and Advocates.
• Potentially assist in setting up workshops for guests to obtain their CORI and credit reports.
• Uphold the Women’s Lunch Place mission and core values.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an accredited undergraduate degree program.
• Interest in legal services and person-to-person work with WLP guests.
• Skill, comfort, and experience working with people who are low income, marginalized, mentally ill.
• Positive, respectful, non-judgmental attitude and compassionate demeanor.
• Ability to set limits in a firm and respectful manner.
• Ability to respond to and prioritize multiple request for assistance.
• Strong organizational, analytic skills and strong oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to a team approach with staff, volunteers, and guests.
• Seeking language capability, particularly Spanish and Haitian-Creole.

Physical/emotional demands of position:

• Able to professionally navigate emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to use public transportation around the Boston area.

Time Commitment:

• Tuesday mornings 8:30-1pm
• Another weekday morning and/or 1-2 hours of phone availability

Training and Support:

• Orientation to Women’s Lunch Place
• Orientation to the Advocacy Program
• Direction from WLP pro bono attorney(s)
• Supervision with Advocacy Manager (licensed social worker)