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
Supervising Attorney - Family Law Unit
General Responsibilities: The Family Law Supervisor is responsible for the substantive work of the Family Law Unit, relationships with community partners relative to family law needs, and supervision of family law staff, students and volunteers. The Family Law Supervisor maintains a direct caseload in addition to overseeing the supervision of the other members of the Unit including the staff attorneys, staff paralegal(s), intake specialist, volunteers and students.
Case Related Responsibilities:
Provide legal assistance, including advice, brief service, legal representation, case consultation, in-depth intake and referrals to eligible clients in family law cases
Supervise case related and community work of family law attorneys, paralegal(s) and intake specialist.
Participate and/or supervise De Novo involvement in family law related systemic/law reform/advocacy activities that benefit our client communities, including collaboration with other legal services offices and community-based agencies, and high-risk teams.
Attend conferences, workshops and training sessions relating to family law practice with a special emphasis on domestic violence.
Coordinate family law referrals and consults to and from the De Novo Counseling Program, and among the other De Novo legal units.
Oversee De Novo’s monthly Family Law Clinic.
Community Responsibilities:
Develop and maintain relationships with community agencies and legal services programs that serve De Novo’s client community.
Conduct and supervise outreach and legal education to varied community groups.
Participate in relevant family law task forces and coalitions.
Supervision and Management Responsibilities:
In addition to supervising the family law attorneys, oversee the training, supervision and support of the staff paralegal and intake specialist.
Oversee the training, support and supervision of volunteer attorneys, law students and other advocates.
Collaborate with the Volunteer and Training Coordinator regarding volunteer and law student recruitment programs.
Oversee maintenance of database with respect to family law clients and cases
Assist the Management Team and Director of Development in the preparation of funding and/or program development proposals and grant writing for the Family Law Unit. Oversee activities required by grant obligations.
Conduct periodic evaluations of unit staff.
Oversee unit projects to ensure their effective and efficient operation.
Provide leadership and strategic thinking to the Family Law Unit in establishing, implementing and reviewing unit priorities, in conjunction with the Legal Director.
Report to the Legal Director about unit operations including cases and volunteers.
Qualifications/Competencies include:
Admitted to Massachusetts bar with a minimum of 6 years of experience in family law.
Strong writing, communication, oral advocacy and organizational skills.
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.
Salary/Benefits:
The position is 35 hours/week. Salary range is $95,000-$105,000 depending on experience.
To apply:
Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter addressing experience and interests relevant to the position, 2) a resume, by e-mail to Tyra Bobic, Executive Coordinator, at tbobic@denovo.org. Please Type: SUPERVISING ATTORNEY - FAMILY LAW UNIT in the subject line of the email. No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be considered on a rolling basis. For more information about De Novo refer to our website: www.denovo.org No phone inquiries, please.
Senior Attorney - Immigration Unit
Position Summary:
The Senior Attorney carries a direct caseload and also assists with supervision of Immigration Attorneys, DOJ Accredited Representatives and volunteers within the Unit.
Position Duties:
Client Advocacy And Legal Representation
Provide legal services to immigrants and refugees, including advice, brief services, and representation in administrative and judicial proceedings involving political asylum, VAWA petitions, U-Visas, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), Habeas Petitions, Federal Appeals and other immigration relief and related ancillary matters.
Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit volunteer attorneys and law students.
Assist the supervising attorney with training, supporting, and supervision of volunteer attorneys, law students, and other advocates handling immigration matters in the practice areas listed above.
Participate in initiatives that address broader issues affecting the client community, including collaboration with legal services organizations and community-based agencies on systemic challenges and advocacy efforts.
Coordinate with the De Novo Counseling Program to facilitate referrals for legal clients who may benefit from counseling services and to accept referrals from the Counseling Program for immigration assistance as needed.
Provide consultation and referrals at De Novo’s Immigration Clinics and act as liaison.
Community Partnerships, Outreach, And Volunteer Engagement
Develop and maintain relationships with community agencies and legal services programs serving De Novo clients.
Conduct outreach and community legal education activities.
Participate in immigration law coalitions and other relevant task forces.
Attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions related to substantive areas of law affecting the client community and professional skill development.
Work collaboratively with community partners to strengthen services and resources.
Provide legal advice and consults to clients on humanitarian immigration matters.
Provide legal representation in asylum, VAWA, U-Visa and SIJ matters before USCIS, ICE and EOIR.
Train, mentor, and supervise volunteer attorneys, students and other volunteers.
Participate in community outreach events and Know Your Rights trainings.
Maintain and establish relationships with community partners.
Participate in relevant coalitions and taskforces such as IMCO.
Participate in work that addresses larger issues faced by the client community, including working with other legal services offices and community-based agencies on systemic problems and advocacy efforts that impact clients.
Make referrals for clients as appropriate to counseling and case management staff for safety planning, case management, therapy, forensic psychological evaluations and other services.
Maintain database with respect to attorney’s cases, trainings and outreach activities.
Assist in the preparation of funding and/or program development proposals and grant reports and conduct activities required by grants.
Participate in staff, legal program, and immigration unit meetings.
Qualifications/Competencies:
Admission to practice law in Massachusetts or another U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of eight (8) years of experience practicing immigration law.
Experience working with and representing individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, and low-income populations.
Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated supervisory and leadership abilities.
Strong computer and technology skills.
Salary/Benefits:
The position is 35 hours/week. Salary range is $90,000 to $100,000 annually, dependent on experience.
To apply:
Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter addressing experience and interests relevant to the position, 2) a resume, by e-mail to Tyra Bobic, Executive Coordinator, at tbobic@denovo.org. Please Type: SENIOR ATTORNEY - IMMIGRATION UNIT in the subject line of the email. No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be considered on a rolling basis. For more information about De Novo refer to our website: www.denovo.org No phone inquiries, please.
Housing Paralegal and Case Manager
Responsibilities:
Screen and interview prospective clients, ensuring they meet program income and geographic guidelines.
Make referrals to other agencies when appropriate.
Record client information using computerized systems in line with program needs and policies.
Develop expertise in substantive areas of practice.
Triage cases and identify urgent deadlines.
Assist with tracking deadlines and court events, and monitor court dockets.
Provide simple legal information and self-help packets under attorney oversight.
Assist clients in completing legal pleadings, court forms, and other paperwork under attorney supervision.
Help tenants apply for financial assistance for rental arrearages and other stabilization resources under attorney oversight.
Draft correspondence to clients, the court, and opposing parties under attorney oversight.
Assist tenants in completing applications for benefits such as DTA and housing under attorney oversight.
Participate in meetings to review client eligibility, advice, information, and referrals.
Engage in community education and outreach, including targeted outreach to households facing eviction.
Provide administrative support to lawyers for court preparation.
Perform other duties as assigned to ensure quality client services.
Qualifications:
Paralegal studies/certificate or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Experience in housing, legal services, social services, or case management preferred.
Comfort working with a broad range of stakeholders, including professionals, community groups, and individuals.
Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Capacity to identify and analyze legal and other problems.
Basic word processing and data entry skills.
Commitment to the goals of legal services and working for low-income individuals.
Experience working with interpreters and/or fluency in additional languages preferred.
Bicultural/bilingual (Spanish) highly desirable.
Salary/Benefits:
The position is 35 hours/week. This is a hybrid position, with in-office work required Monday-Thursday. The salary range is $49,000 to $55,000.
To apply:
Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter addressing experience and interests relevant to the position, 2) a resume, by e-mail to Tyra Bobic, Executive Coordinator, at tbobic@denovo.org. Please Type: HOUSING PARALEGAL - CASE MANAGER in the subject line of the email. No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be considered on a rolling basis. For more information about De Novo refer to our website: www.denovo.org 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