OPPORTUNITIES

Suffolk University Law School offers a variety of pro bono placements, and we are continually working to expand and diversify opportunities for students. If you do not see a placement that matches your area of interest email ProBono@suffolk.edu for assistance in identifying and obtaining a pro bono placement that best meets your interests and skills. You may also initiate your own pro bono project and count those hours toward the pro bono program, as long as you receive prior approval. Please e-mail ProBono@suffolk.eduwith questions and for pre-approval.

Upper-level students may also participate in our Pro Bono Partners Program, which pairs interested alumni and other attorneys with upper-level law students to work together on pro bono cases from one of three Boston area organizations: the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Health Law Advocates, and the Victim Rights Law Center. Our Partners Program also works with the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) to match upper-level students with certified private bar counsel on cases involving public criminal defense, child and family law, and mental health litigation.

For more information about Suffolk's Pro Bono Program, see the Pro Bono Program Handbook.

Pro bono opportunities are listed below. For more information, e-mail ProBono@suffolk.edu.

AIDS Action Legal Services Department

The Legal Services Department seeks two second or third year law students to work as an integral member of the legal team.  The internship offers substantial contact with HIV+ clients, most of whom are severely impoverished, assisting them with a wide range of legal issues such as housing, family law, discrimination, estate planning, public benefits, and consumer debt. The Legal Intern positions offer an excellent opportunity for independent client-based work, as the interns will be responsible for conducting legal clinics and screening clients on our Legal Intake Line. There are also frequent opportunities to perform legal research, participate in litigation preparation, and accompany attorneys in court.  Internships can often be tailored toward particular areas of interest.  The Legal Department has received high ratings from past interns and works hard to mentor interns and tailor tasks to interns’ particular areas of interest.  The internship is unpaid.

Qualifications and Requirements: Strong interpersonal skills, desire to work directly with clients, and ability to work independently are a must.

Length of Internship: Spring Semester, with a possibility for continuing position in the Summer and/or Fall Semesters.

Weekly Hours: 15+ hours

To Apply: Please send a statement of interest and resume to Melissa Champagne, MChampagne@aac.org.

Boston CASA Program

The Boston Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program trains, supervises and recruits volunteers from the community to advocate for abused and neglected children.  Volunteers are appointed by a judge to serve as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to advocate for the "Best Interest" of children who have been abused or neglected and are court involved.  Responsibilities include: completing CASA screening and training, conducting home-site visits, and submitting detailed written reports to the judge.  Day to day time commitments vary. Volunteers will generally need to attend court at least once every 3 months.  Volunteers must be 21 years of age and be able to commit 18 months to the program.  To apply, submit application (www.casaboston.org/Images/Images/casaapplication.pdf) to Susan Conrad at susan.conrad@jud.state.ma.us.  All volunteers must undergo a background check and attend a mandatory CASA training.  Trainings are held twice a year (fall & spring) and require two evenings a week (6:30 – 8:00 pm) for six weeks at the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse.  This is an equal opportunity volunteer experience.

Boston Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition - Seeking Student Researchers

The City of Boston’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign is seeking pro bono law students to assist with a variety of research projects throughout the semester.  Projects include work related to the EITC’s involvement with the Massachusetts Asset Development Commission, as well as projects to support the general work of the agency.  Time commitment and scheduling are very flexible and work may be done off-site and during off-hours, as needed.  This is a perfect opportunity for an Evening Division student or someone with limited time during regular business hours.  For more information and to apply, Mimi Turchinetz at Mimi.Turchinetz.jcs@cityofboston.gov

Boston Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign – Seeking Two Site Coordinators

The Director of the EITC Campaign with the City of Boston is seeking two law student volunteers to serve as Tax Site Coordinators for the upcoming tax preparation season.  Coordinators are needed to staff two sites: the Allston/Brighton Resource Center and the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center.  Coordinators are needed to help manage the volunteer tax preparation sites, answer questions from volunteer tax preparers, and assist with the coordination and logistical management of the volunteer project.  Site coordinators are needed one full day a week at minimum, although two days a week is preferred.  Qualifications include: a willingness to learn, management experience, and successful completion of volunteer tax law training up to intermediate level.  If volunteering for the Chinatown Site, fluency in Chinese would also be helpful.  For more information and to apply, email resume to Mimi Turchinetz at Mimi.Turchinetz.jcs@cityofboston.gov.

Boston Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition – Seeking Volunteer Tax Preparers

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) free tax preparation initiative, run through the City of Boston, trains and utilizes volunteers to assist low to moderate income residents of MA with their tax returns.  By volunteering with this program, you can make a real, tangible, financial impact in people’s lives.  Volunteer tax clinics are held in the evenings and on weekends, so this is a great pro bono opportunity for busy law students!  All new volunteers must attend an 8 hour training and take the IRS's online certification exam to become Certified Volunteer Tax Preparers.  Volunteers will be taught the basics of Federal and Massachusetts tax law including Filing Status, Dependency, Tax Deductions and Tax Credits (including the Earned Income Tax Credit).  Volunteers will also receive hands-on training on using Taxwise, the tax preparation software used at all Coalition tax sites.  In addition, volunteers will be taught taxpayer interview techniques and quality control procedures, as well as learn the various resources that will be available to them while volunteering.  After attending the training, new volunteers will be eligible to take the IRS certification test.  To volunteer for EITC, visit their website at http://www.bostontaxhelp.org/.  Click on the “Volunteer Now” button and complete the online registration form.  Once you have registered, you will see a calendar with available training dates and you can sign up to attend specific trainings.  Questions should be directed to Craig Far, Volunteer Coordinator, at bostontaxhelp@gmail.com or 617.803.1679.

Boston Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition – Seeking Credit Advisor Volunteers

In addition to offering free tax preparation services, the Boston EITC Campaign is offering services that assist taxpayers in enhancing their economic stability and wealth building potential with its Credit Advising Program. The Credit Advising Program employs teams of professionally trained Credit Advisors at seven of its sites. The Credit Advisor Volunteers will provide taxpayers with basic one-on-one counseling. Credit reports will be accessed and the Credit Advisor will analyze the report with the taxpayer and develop a strategy for improving his or her credit score. For those interested in volunteering, a professional credit counselor will hold a 3-hour credit advising training. Volunteers will be asked to work 4 hours a week between late January and April 15th. If you are interested in serving as a Credit Advisor, please e-mail Jessica Cook at the Boston EITC Campaign. Jessica.cook.jcs@cityofboston.gov

Chelsea Restoration Corporation - Foreclosure Workout Pro Bono Project

Chelsea Restoration Corporation (CRC) is a community-based nonprofit agency that has been an integral part of the preservation and revitalization of Chelsea neighborhoods for almost 29 years. Since 2007, CRC has been assisting homeowners with foreclosure prevention in the communities of Chelsea and Revere.  CRC and Suffolk Law School have launched a pro bono project to assist homeowners with negotiation and review of Loan Modification Agreements to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.   Student volunteers work under the supervision of Professor Richard Perlmutter to negotiate work-out agreements on behalf of homeowners, to carefully review all terms of the modification agreements, and to counsel homeowners on the terms and requirements of the modifications. Volunteers are needed for on-site service at CRC; however most of the pro bono work can be completed at Suffolk and during flexible hours.  This opportunity is limited to upper-level students, and is ideal for students interested in transactional work and who have an interest or background in mortgages, conveyances, or creditors' rights. The CRC Project is currently accepting applications for January.  If you would like to apply, please send your resume to ProBono@suffolk.edu.

Civil Gideon Pilot Project

Massachusetts Institute on Lawyer’s Trust Accounts (IOLTA) is looking for volunteer legal interns to help collect court data for a landlord/tenant pilot project of the Boston Bar Association.   The project is exploring the impact that full legal representation will have in eviction cases.  The intern will have the opportunity to review court dockets, interview court personnel and contact shelters.  IOLTA is looking for part time candidates.  Hours are flexible.  To apply, email your resume to ProBono@suffolk.edu.

The Department of Mental Health- Seeking Students to Conduct Legal Research

The Department of Mental Health is looking for students to conduct legal research on two topic-specific issues.  Internet Radio – what are the issues we need to be aware of in establishing a mental health consumer-run internet radio station?  Are there FCC or other regulatory requirements?  Are there issues of royalties for music played?  Other liability issues?  Children’s Rights –Massachusetts has a statute that grants certain rights (particularly visits, phone calls and mail) to people in DMH programs or hospitals “regardless of age.”  Is there a solid legal basis for interpreting the statute in such a way as to permit parents to limit their children’s rights under this statute?  Is there analogous statutory or case law wherein parents are deemed to exercise rights that would otherwise attach to their children?  Is there a difference between constitutional and statutory rights in this regard?  The answer to this question will guide whether the Department changes its policy and regulatory approach to this statute, so it requires careful and thoughtful analysis. Interested students should contact Rachel Viola at rviola@suffolk.edu

Health Care For All

Health Care For All (HCFA) seeks to create a consumer-centered health care system that provides comprehensive, affordable, accessible, culturally competent, high quality care and consumer education for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. HCFA works to achieve this as leaders in public policy, advocacy, education and service to consumers in Massachusetts.  HCFA is seeking law student volunteers to assist the Policy Team on legal and policy research projects.  Specific projects include:  analysis and comparison of bills currently before the Massachusetts’ legislature; analysis of bills/laws in other states related to private insurance; research into affordability of health care and cost sharing (premiums, deductibles, co-insurance and co-payments) for individuals; and analysis of relevant health law court decisions across the nation.  Students will also have the opportunity to participate in policy coalitions and attend internal and external meetings with leading health care policy professionals.  If you are interested in applying to volunteer with HCFA during the Spring semester, email ProBono@suffolk.edu.

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) – Seeking Pro Bono Translators & Researchers

KIND is a new and innovative non-profit organization created by Microsoft Corporation and actress and human rights activist, Angelina Jolie, designed to foster a collaborative effort between law firms, philanthropists, and non-governmental organizations that are committed to providing fair, competent and compassionate counsel to unaccompanied children in the immigration system.  KIND assists children with all types of immigration cases, both affirmatively and for those in removal proceedings (i.e., asylum, Special Immigration Juvenile Status, U or T Visas, VAWA petitions, family based petitions, etc.).  The immigration court system is complex and intimidating, and one that no child should have to face alone. Law student volunteers are needed as translators during initial intakes with children, translators of important documentation, and to conduct legal research on immigration issues.  While fluency in Spanish is most needed, students with other second language capabilities are encouraged to contact KIND to volunteer.  Although the weekly time commitment varies, most volunteer work can be performed in 5 to 10 hours per week during the weekday.  New volunteers are encouraged to attend volunteer trainings focused on immigration issues held at corporate law firms, and students may also help KIND staff prepare for volunteer trainings and present during the sessions. Please contact Ann Cooper, Pro Bono Coordinator, Boston at acooper@supportkind.org with questions and to apply. 

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) Legal Internship

KIND is seeking a legal intern to assist the Boston Pro Bono Coordinator develop, maintain, and oversee the pro bono legal representation of unaccompanied children. The intern will provide legal rights presentations to both child clients and their sponsors and train pro bono attorneys to prepare effectively and represent individual child clients before immigration authorities. The intern will assist with the intake and screening of child clients, help train and provide mentorship to pro bono attorneys to prepare effectively and represent individual child clients before immigration authorities, and research current trends in immigration and relevant family law. This position will be unpaid.

Responsibilities include:

• Legal Screening: assist with the initial screening of unaccompanied minor children, conduct follow-up interviews and phone calls with child clients, adult sponsor, and other agencies.
• Trainings: help prepare and conduct KIND trainings for law firms and other interested pro bono volunteers to prepare effectively and represent individual child clients before immigration authorities. The trainings will include an overview of KIND’s mission and various immigration remedies available to children.
• Legal Research: research current trends in immigration law and family law, country conditions, and other federal laws to assist in case preparation.
• Outreach: promote KIND’s mission, recruit pro bono volunteer attorneys to represent unaccompanied immigrant children. Collaborate with community-based organizations, law schools, high-schools, and others to identify and protect the rights of children.
• Case Management: update case summaries, track important court dates and deadlines, and maintain contact logs for clients, adult sponsors, volunteers, and attorney contacts.

Interested applicants must be:
• Currently enrolled in a J.D. or LLM program
• Interested in children’s issues and immigration law
• Enthusiastic, optimistic, and passionate about issues affecting unaccompanied alien children
• Fluent in Spanish & English
• Available 10 – 15 hours/week, preferably available on Tuesday or Wednesday
• Able to use their own laptop during the internship.

If interested, please contact Ann Cooper, Pro Bono Coordinator, Boston at acooper@supportkind.org.

Lawyer for the Day & Guardianship Project

The Volunteer Lawyers Project and Senior Partners for Justice are seeking volunteer law students to help staff the Suffolk Probate and Family Court Courtroom Lawyer for the Day Project on Friday mornings. At the Probate and Family Court, law students help attorneys with cases, screen clients for eligibility for legal services, do brief initial client interviews to get basic information about their case, and help clients fill out guardianship petitions. This is also a good volunteer opportunity for law school graduates awaiting bar exam results.  If you are interested, please contact Attorney Barbara Siegel at bsiegel@vlpnet.org or 617-423-0648 x123.

Lawyers Clearinghouse on Affordable Housing and Homelessness

The Lawyers Clearinghouse on Affordable Housing and Homelessness was founded in 1988 by the Boston and Massachusetts Bar Associations. Its mission is to promote the development of affordable housing, reduce homelessness, and strengthen communities by providing pro bono legal services to nonprofit organizations and to individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Lawyers Clearinghouse is seeking a pro bono law student to assist with its Massachusetts Legal Clinic for the Homeless. This program provides on-site legal services to the guests of the Pine Street Inn, St. Francis House, Medeiros Center, and hopeFound (formerly known as the Shattuck Shelter). Through a collaborative of nine of the state's largest law firms, volunteer lawyers meet with those in need to resolve their legal issues. Last year, 181 homeless men and women received pro bono legal services at 16 clinics which were held throughout the period. The anticipated time commitment is approximately 10 hours per week, including Fridays from 9:00 to 2:00 p.m., during the Spring semester. If interested in applying, please contact Maribeth Perry at mperry@lawyersclearinghouse.org.

Legal Advocacy and Resource Center - Hotline Volunteers Needed

The Legal Advocacy Resource Center (LARC) is seeking student volunteers to answer hotline calls from low-income Massachusetts residents seeking information and assistance in the areas of bankruptcy, foreclosure and social security. Volunteers will be trained to handle calls on a particular issue or the entire range of issues handled by the hotline, depending on the volunteer's background, interest and availability.  Volunteering on the hotline is a great way to learn about legal issues, while working directly with clients. LARC provides training, materials and ongoing supervision.  A minimum commitment of 4 hours per week for a full semester is required. 

For additional information and to apply, email a resume and cover letter to Dan Biagiotti, Managing Attorney, Legal Advocacy and Resource Center, 197 Friend Street, Boston, MA 02114, at DBiagiotti@gbls.org.

Legal Advocacy and Resource Center – Seeking EITC Outreach Volunteers

The Legal Advocacy and Resource Center is looking for law student volunteers for LARC’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Outreach Project. LARC is a free legal hotline located in Boston and the EITC is a special tax benefit that helps to reduce or eliminate the taxes for low income workers. It can be worth over $4,500 based on income and number of dependent children. LARC talks with over 15,000 clients on its hotline each year.  Starting in January, volunteers from LARC call back all the clients that may be eligible to tell them about the EITC and direct them towards tax preparation centers that can help them file. EITC can be a very effective anti-poverty tool and LARC is working to make it more accessible to the people who can benefit from it the most. LARC is seeking volunteers to come in and call clients regarding the EITC on Tuesday Evenings, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. starting later this month until mid-March. Pizza will be provided! There is no minimum hourly requirement and students can volunteer as often as schedules permit. This is a great opportunity for students to get experience working with clients in a legal services setting. If you would like to volunteer, contact Ada Wan at awan@gbls.org.

Massachusetts Justice Project

The Massachusetts Justice Project (MJP) is seeking student volunteers to answer hotline calls from low-income Massachusetts residents seeking information and assistance in the areas of bankruptcy, foreclosure, eviction, fair housing,  family law, social security, unemployment compensation and other public benefits. Volunteers will be trained to handle calls on a particular issue or the entire range of issues handled by the hotline, depending on the volunteer's background, interest and availability.  Volunteering on the hotline is a great way to learn about legal issues, while working directly with clients. MJP provides training, materials and ongoing supervision. A minimum commitment of 4 hours per week for a full semester is required. Opportunity to assist MJP Lawyer of the Day at Housing Court on one Thursday a month if volunteer is interested. Volunteers can work in MJP offices in either Holyoke or Worcester. For additional information and to apply, email a resume, cover letter and choice of office location to jmerrill@majp.org.

MA Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) seeks several law students interns to provide legal and policy research and assistance to the Undersecretary of OCABR, the General Counsel and the Deputy General Counsel on various consumer protection issues.  Current issues with which the OCABR is involved include: foreclosure prevention, financial services, health insurance, data security, the regulation of home improvement contractors, consumer protection regimes in the context of expanded gambling, telecommunications, cable and other matters. The OCABR is the state’s chief consumer advocate and oversees six state agencies: the Division of Banks, the Division of Insurance, the Division of Professional Licensure, the Department of Telecommunications and Cable, the Division of Standards, and the State Racing Commission. In addition, OCABR oversees the state's Home Improvement Contractor law and Lemon Law Arbitration program. There are always interesting and challenging legal and policy issues in OCABR that in many cases provide the foundation for further regulation or legislation.  The expected time commitment is 10-15 hours per week, and all work must be performed on site. Interns report directly to either the Undersecretary or the General Counsel.  To apply for this opportunity send cover letter and resume to Barbara Anthony, Undersecretary, Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (Barbara.Anthony@state.ma.us) and to Diane Lawton, General Counsel, Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (diane.lawton@state.ma.us).  If you have questions, contact Attorneys Anthony and Lawton at 617-973-8702.

MetroWest Legal Services - Bankruptcy Pro Bono Project

MetroWest Legal Services (formerly South Middlesex Legal Services) provides legal advocacy and representation to protect and advance the rights of the poor, elderly, disabled and other disenfranchised people in its service area.  MWLS is seeking a law student volunteer to assist a pro bono bankruptcy attorney with his case load.  Responsibilities of the student volunteer will include: meeting with the attorney and his clients, reviewing and organizing financial information, preparing bankruptcy petitions, and attending 341 creditor's meetings with the pro bono attorney.  The anticipated time commitment for this project is 6 to 10 hours per week for the semester, preferably on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays (with flexibility to work Wednesdays and Fridays once familiar with the necessary bankruptcy software). All work must be performed on-site at MWLS' office located in Framingham, MA.  For more information and to volunteer, contact Cheryl Palmieri, Pro Bono Coordinator/Attorney at cpalmieri@mwlegal.org or 508-620-1830. 

Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Director of District Courts Seeking Student Volunteer

The Director of District Courts, Prevention and Programs for the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office is seeking a volunteer student intern.  Intern tasks will include assistance with legal research, policy matters, trial preparation, and involvement with the Juvenile Diversion and Community Based Justice Programs.  Both the amount of time per week and the schedule of work are flexible.  This opportunity is open to students of all levels, however the volunteer will need a car to travel to the Central Office in Woburn.  Interested students should submit a completed application with all supporting documentation to Director Patricia Gould at Jobs@middlesexda.com.

Middlesex District Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Unit

The Middlesex District Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Unit investigates and prosecutes domestic violence cases and works with local police, community partners, and victim service organizations to engage in domestic violence prevention and intervention efforts. The Chief of the DV Unit is seeking student volunteers during the academic year to work directly with her in the Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn, MA on research projects, motion drafting, and case investigation and preparation. Volunteers must be able to commit at least 8 hours per week (one full day or two half days) for a full semester.  This placement offers students invaluable court observation opportunities and first-hand experience in the District Attorney's office. Interested students should email a cover letter and resume to Suzanne Kontz, Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit, at Suzanne.Kontz@state.ma.us.

Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Seeking Student Volunteers for District Courts

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office is seeking 3 to 5 law student volunteers to assist assistant district attorneys in district courts.  Student volunteers will be assigned to conduct legal research, write memoranda in support/opposition for motions to suppress, prepare discovery packets, and assist with trial preparation.  Both the amount of time per week and the schedule of work are flexible.  This opportunity is open to students of all levels, however the volunteer will need a car to travel to the Central Office in Woburn. Interested students should submit a completed application with all supporting documentation to Director Patricia Gould at Jobs@middlesexda.com.

Neighborhood Legal Service – Foreclosure Prevention Clinics

Neighborhood Legal Services (www.neighborhoodlaw.org) provides free civil legal services, including foreclosure defense, to low-income and elderly clients in Essex and Northern Middlesex County. NLS’s Foreclosure Defense Project has started a Foreclosure Prevention Clinic focused on educating clients about their rights and assisting them with loan modification and refinancing claims. NLS also uses the clinic to screen for certain bankruptcy and predatory lending cases. Student volunteers assist and present the clinic and also get the opportunity to handle individual cases under the supervision of an attorney. This is an exciting opportunity to learn about what lawyers can do in response to the current foreclosure crisis and experience the satisfaction of helping an individual save their home. The clinics are held in Lynn, Massachusetts. Volunteers are asked to commit at least 4 hours per week. More hours can be accommodated. NLS’s Lynn office is easily accessed by the commuter rail departing from North Station. If you are interested in volunteering for this project, please contact Jim Breslauer at Bres@nlsma.org or 978-888-0666.

"No One Leaves" Pro Bono Opportunity - Seeking Student Canvassers

The “No One Leaves” project is a movement involving student-community action to stop foreclosure evictions in Boston.  The foreclosure crisis is predominantly affecting Boston's low and moderate-income neighborhoods, with minorities and single women as its most common victims. After foreclosure auctions, banks take ownership of the homes and evict everyone living there, whether they are owners or renters, even if everyone tries to continue to pay a fair rent to the bank. With the help of City Life, the Chelsea Collaborative, and Harvard Legal Aid we are working to change the way banks do business. We need canvassers to inform tenants and former owners of foreclosed properties that they have rights and may stay in their homes, and to point them towards the resources that can help them. Early outreach to owners and renters can empower them to fight abandonment of their homes after a foreclosure. Last year volunteers from Suffolk Law made an enormous impact helping tenants in this crisis, but there are still many more families every day who are leaving their homes without knowledge of their rights. We canvass every Saturday, and your time may be counted toward pro bono hours through the Rappaport Center. The commitment doesn't have to be every weekend. Any help we can get is appreciated.  For more information or to volunteer, contact sulsnooneleaves@gmail.com.

NOAH Foreclosure Prevention Counselor Program

The Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH) is seeking law student volunteers (full-time and part-time) to assist with its Foreclosure Prevention Program.  Responsibilities for volunteers will include: Meeting with customers and preparing loan restructure packages to be sent to the servicer, including writing hardship letters; Interacting with mortgage lenders and brokers, loan servicers, final investors and real estate agents; Staying current on issues relevant to the mortgage lending, changes in foreclosure laws, the availability of resources and special programs in the city of Boston and in neighboring jurisdictions; Researching activities in the real estate, lending and related markets that can be helpful for the customers; Participating in policy recommendations; Maintaining and monitoring clients’ files and database; Writing reports and correspondence as needed; Assisting NOAH Housing Counselors to conduct homeownership post purchase and foreclosure prevention educational presentations to groups such as community organizations, PTAs, religious or social committees, etc.  NOAH is seeking part-time volunteers to work 8 to 15 hours per week, but the minimum is as little as 4 hours per week.  For more information and/or to apply, send resume to Carolina Trujillo at ctrujillo@noahcdc.org.

NOAH Volunteer Student Internship Position

NOAH, the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing, is an East Boston-based, community development corporation structured to collaborate with residents and communities in their pursuit of affordable housing strategies, environmental justice, community planning, leadership development, and economic development opportunities. NOAH seeks volunteer student interns to make a semester-long commitment to assist with the foreclosure prevention program. Dedication to serving the community and ensuring people can remain in their homes is essential. Supervised by a team of experienced Housing Counselors, Interns provide counseling to low and moderate income homeowners at risk or in the process of losing their homes. Depending on experience and need, Interns will: Meet with customers and prepare loan restructure cases to send to servicers. This includes gathering documents, developing budgets, and writing hardship letters describing the client’s case; work and negotiate with mortgage lenders and brokers, loan servicers, and real estate agents; stay current on issues relevant to the mortgage lending, changes in foreclosure laws, and the availability of resources and special programs in the city of Boston and in neighboring jurisdiction; research activities in the real estate and lending markets that may be helpful for NOAH’s clients; participate in policy recommendations; assist counselors in conducting homeownership post-purchase and foreclosure prevention educational presentations to community organizations. For more information please contact Lisa Dyen, Foreclosure Prevention Coordinator at ldyen@noahcdc.org

NOAH Volunteer Attorney Position

NOAH, the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing, is an East Boston-based, community development corporation structured to collaborate with residents and communities in their pursuit of affordable housing strategies, environmental justice, community planning, leadership development, and economic development opportunities. NOAH seeks volunteer attorney to make a long-term commitment to assist with the foreclosure program. Dedication to serving the community and ensuring people can remain in their homes is essential. The attorney will work with NOAH’s experienced team of Housing Counselors to provide counseling and guidance to low and moderate income homeowners at risk of losing their homes.

The attorney will have the following responsibilities:

• Meet with clients and prepare loan restructure packages to be sent to the servicer, including writing hardship letters
• Negotiate with mortgage lenders and brokers, loan servicers, final investors and real estate agents on behalf of clients
• Conduct legal reviewing new mortgage contract terms for clients
• Stay current on issues relevant to mortgage lending, changes in foreclosure laws, the availability of resources and special programs in Boston and neighboring jurisdictions
• Maintain and monitor clients’ files and database
• Write reports and correspondence as needed
• Assist the Counselors in conducting homeownership, post-purchase and foreclosure prevention educational presentations to various community groups

Qualifications

• Understanding of and commitment to a community-based approach to social change
• Strong Spanish skills preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple ongoing projects
• Ability to work flexible hours

For more information contact Lisa Dyen, Foreclosure Prevention Coordinator at ldyen@noahcdc.org

Office of Senate Counsel

The Office of Senate Counsel at the State House is currently seeking an intern for the remainder of the semester. Legal interns will work on a wide variety of legislative and legal matters, including drafting and analyzing legislation and researching issues of federal and state constitutional and statutory law.  Interns may also attend Senate debates and committee hearings.  Interns will work directly with the Senate Counsel and the Senate President’s Office.  Internship is unpaid. If you are interested please email your resume to ProBono@suffolk.edu.

Senior Partners for Justice Family Court Pro Bono Program

Senior Partners for Justice Family Court Pro Bono program places students in Suffolk, Middlesex and Norfolk Probate and Family Courts to work with courthouse staff on projects such as assisting unrepresented litigants.  Students must commit one full day or two half days (preferably mornings) to this internship for a full semester.  This is a terrific opportunity for students of all levels, particularly those with an interest in family law. To apply, send resume and completed application to Isabel Burney at iburney@vlpnet.org.

Street Law Clinic Project

The Street Law Clinic Project sponsored by the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild provides clinics on various legal topics for non-lawyers with the goal of empowering participants by teaching them about their legal rights.  Clinics are conducted by law students with back-up by lawyers. They take place in community centers, churches, high schools, homeless shelters, union halls, and pre-release centers. The workshops are interactive, with participants figuring out how to deal with real-life situations, and usually last about two hours.  Currently, Street Law Clinics are offered in the following areas: Stop and Search, Tenants' Rights, Workers' Rights, Immigration Law, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, and Civil Disobedience.  FIRST YEAR STUDENTS WELCOME!  For more information and to participate in the Street Law Clinic Project call (617) 723-4330 or email the Street Law Coordinator at nlgmass-slc@igc.org.

Upcoming Clinics

Clinic: Workers' Rights

Where: ABCD Winterworks Program, 22 Elm Hill Ave, Roxbury MA 02121

When: Wednesday, March 10, 4pm

Attorney: Deborah Roher

Clinic: Stop and Search

Where:ABCD Winterworks Program, 22 Elm Hill Ave, Roxbury MA 02121

When: Wednesday, March 17, 4pm

Attorney: Benjamin Falkner

Suffolk Lawyers for Justice

Suffolk’s Pro Bono Program has launched a new partnership with Suffolk Lawyers for Justice (SLJ), a nonprofit organization in Boston that operates under contract with the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), to pair upper-level Suffolk Law students with SLJ counsel to work together on court appointed criminal defense cases.  SLJ oversees four hundred private attorneys who are appointed to defend clients in fourteen Boston area courts.  Many of these attorneys need volunteer law clerks to assist with research, drafting, investigation, and other clerical duties.  If you are interested in criminal defense work and would like to sign up to participate in this pro bono partnership, please email your resume to ProBono@suffolk.edu.

The Women’s Bar Association

The Women’s Bar Association is seeking an intern to assist with verification of contact information and employment status of its members. Duties will include reviewing and updating the existing database, checking Boston Bar of Overseers listings and researching law firm websites. Schedule is flexible and the WBA is offering free WBA membership for a year! For more information or to volunteer, contact Nicci Meadow at nicci.meadow@womensbar.org.

The Women’s Bar Foundation’s Family Law Project (FLP)

The Women’s Bar Foundation’s Family Law Project (FLP) is seeking a legal intern either for a part time position during the school year or a full time position during the summer. The intern's duties include: conducting intakes and providing phone and in-person evaluations to all potential clients; drafting memos of law on issues related to domestic violence and family law; representing victims of domestic violence in a 209A Abuse Prevention Order hearings. Applicants should have an interest in working in a non-profit, legal service setting; an interest in working with people in crisis, specifically domestic violence victims; strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to deal with the public in a professional manner in person and on the telephone; experience in a multicultural environment. Send your resume and cover letter to Rachel Biscardi at rbiscardi@womensbar.org.  Please include the date you would be available to begin as well as the day and times each week you would be available for the duration of the internship. This is an unpaid internship. 

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