Careers
De Novo is a vibrant community-based agency dedicated to providing free legal services and affordable mental health counseling to low-income individuals throughout the Greater Boston/Cambridge area. We are committed to fostering a work environment where everyone's contributions are valued, and ideas are freely exchanged.
At De Novo, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who bring unique perspectives and experiences. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve and grow both personally and professionally.
Current Openings
Staff Attorney - Housing Unit
Responsibilities:
Representing clients in judicial and administrative proceedings involving evictions, access to public and subsidized housing, enforcement of tenant rights, and termination of housing subsidies.
Assist in forming two Medical Legal Partnerships and serving as a designated liaison to the medical partners, providing legal advice and information and, as appropriate, full representation to shared clients.
Staff De Novo’s Lawyer for the Day Clinics at the Middlesex Session of the Eastern Division of the Massachusetts Housing Court. In addition to their own case work, attorneys are expected to assist with these clinics at least three Fridays a month.
Recruiting, training, and supervising volunteer attorneys and law students to handle cases.
Participating in coalitions and task forces; working with community-based and legal service organizations; conducting outreach and community legal education.
Qualifications/Competencies (preferred unless otherwise noted):
Admitted to Massachusetts bar (or a bar of another state**), required.
Two plus years of legal experience.
Experience representing low-income people in court and administrative proceedings required.
Experience representing low-income people in housing cases.
Experience working with and/or representing a broad range of people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people with low incomes.
Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills.
Ability to supervise effectively.
Strong computer skills.
Bilingual.
**An applicant who is admitted to the bar of another state must be eligible to practice as a foreign lawyer under SJC Rule 3.04 and become a member of the Mass. bar within 2 years.
Salary/Benefits:
The position is 35 hours/week. This is a hybrid position with three days a week work-from-home depending on court (case-dependent) and in-person meeting requirements (currently Thursdays).
Salary range is $72,000 to $82,000 dependent on experience ($76,000 w/ 2 years’ experience).
To apply:
Email a resume and cover letter addressing your interest and experience in poverty/public interest law to Tyra Bobic, Executive Coordinator tbobic@denovo.org. Please type: HOUSING ATTORNEY in the subject line of the email. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be considered on a rolling basis. No phone inquiries, please.
Administrative Assistant
Reception duties:
Answer phones; screen callers for eligibility for the Center’s legal services and enter necessary intake information into case management system and relay messages to staff and volunteers;
Refer callers to other service providers and keep track of calls;
Greet clients and other visitors;
Schedule room use;
Maintain computerized client data base; compile data and prepare reports as requested;
Provide interpretation services in emergency situations.
Office duties:
Order office supplies; keep supplies areas organized;
Oversee postal needs including opening and sorting incoming mail and processing outgoing mail;
Processing donations including keeping a daily log of all incoming checks and donations;
Maintain office equipment (copier, fax, printer, refrigerator etc.) and assist volunteers and staff with office equipment;
Keep the reception area neat and organized;
Provide support to the Development Director, Deputy Director and Executive Director, as requested;
Perform additional tasks for the smooth functioning of the office as needed.
Qualifications:
Bilingual in Spanish and English required. Additional language skills a plus.
Experience as a receptionist, office manager, or work in a fast-paced office environment.
Ability to multi-task is essential. Must be available to open office at 9:00 a.m. daily
Experience with computers including: Microsoft Word, Excel, data entry and SharePoint
Sensitivity to people experiencing emotional distress.
Experience working with people with low incomes, from diverse backgrounds, and with limited English proficiency.
Salary/Benefits:
The position is 35 hours/week. This is a hybrid position, with in-office work required Monday-Thursday. The salary range is $48,000 to $56,000.
To apply:
Email a resume and cover letter addressing your interest and experience to Tyra Bobic, Executive Coordinator tbobic@denovo.org. Please type: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT in the subject line of the email. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be considered on a rolling basis. No phone inquiries, please.
Our Benefits
With staff well-being a priority, De Novo is committed to providing compensation and benefits that are comprehensive, meet people’s needs, help people thrive in their work, and enhance their quality of life.
Generous paid time off, including 20 vacation days, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays per year.
Fully paid health insurance coverage, with De Novo covering 100% of the medical insurance premium and deductible for you and your family. If you are insured through your spouse, we will reimburse you for your spouse’s premium share (up to the cost of De Novo’s insurance).
Fully paid short-term and long-term disability insurance and life insurance.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA), enabling employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for uninsured medical expenses.
Employee-paid dental and vision insurance.
403(b) retirement plan with no waiting period on eligibility. After one year of service, De Novo will contribute 2.5% of your salary to this plan.
Wellness initiatives, including hybrid work schedules and workshops on secondary/vicarious trauma.
Extensive professional development opportunities.
Volunteer & Internship Opportunities
De Novo relies on the efforts of a large cohort of volunteers to fulfill its mission to provide access to justice and healing for all people.
Learn more about our volunteer and internship opportunities:
Equal Opportunity Statement
De Novo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected category under federal or Massachusetts law