Pro Bono Advocacy Counsel

Prisoners’ Legal Services (PLS) is seeking a full time Pro Bono Advocacy Counsel to expand access to civil legal services and representation for individuals incarcerated in Massachusetts prisons and jails. The Pro Bono Advocacy Counsel will develop and cultivate relationships with advocacy organizations, the private bar, and volunteers to increase legal representation for incarcerated individuals. This includes building partnerships with law firms, solo practitioners, law schools, and the judiciary to create effective case referral systems and offering guidance to individuals representing themselves in court.

PLS actively seeks to eliminate barriers for marginalized communities, including individuals impacted by incarceration. We are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, or any other protected class.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop, maintain and strengthen pro bono relationships with law firms, solo practitioners, other members of the private bar to maximize PLS’ co-counseling and referral capacity;
• Creatively and effectively advocate for the representation of incarcerated individuals by private firms and solo practitioners, including developing compelling pitches to persuade attorneys who might be initially hesitant to take on prison cases;
• Effectively engage with PLS leadership team, advocacy staff, the judiciary, law schools, and the private bar to promote use of volunteers to further PLS’ advocacy goals and strengthen its capacity to serve clients;
• Assess the suitability of the case for pro bono referral and prepare case summaries for potential pro bono attorneys, with guidance from PLS staff;
• Implement a streamlined process for screening, referring, and supporting pro bono attorneys while ensuring clients receive timely and competent representation;
• Provide technical assistance, support and training on prisoners’ rights law for attorneys representing individuals who are incarcerated;
• Establish and ensure adherence to program and case handling standards, and ensure compliance with funder requirements and the highest professional standards;
• Develop and manage data systems to assess the impact and quality of the referral process, as well as evaluate the involvement of volunteers and the advocacy and legal communities to ensure effective and fair distribution of services;
• Create a program to support pro se individuals by providing informational materials, and personalized assistance when feasible;
• Identify and participate in professional development opportunities to build leadership capacity and expand legal skills and expertise in order to strengthen the pro bono program;
• Serve as co-counsel in select cases brought by pro-bono or PLS Attorneys;
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary.

Requirements:

• Bar Admission: Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar or eligible for prompt admission;
• Experience: Minimum of two years of legal practice required. Experience in prisoners’ rights law,
• litigation, or pro bono legal work is strongly preferred but not required;
• Qualifications:
• Project and System Management: Experience managing projects and systems desirable;
• Commitment to Equity: Demonstrated commitment to racial, economic, and social justice,
• particularly in marginalized communities affected by incarceration;
• Deep and clear commitment to race equity, anti-racism, justice in the workplace and in providing exceptional legal services;
• Collaboration & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with a team and independently;
• Strong organizational skills: Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and work independently or in teams;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Tech-Savvy: Proficiency in Microsoft Suite is required; Experience with other online programs
• and social media is a plus;
• Ability to engage effectively with people from diverse cultures, with diverse opinions and values, including with clients, staff, members of all sectors of the legal community ranging from large law firms to solo practitioners, volunteers, students, community members and funders;
• Language Skills: Fluency in a second language (especially Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian, Creole, or Cape Verdean Creole) is desirable but not required.
• PLS recognizes that candidates may bring different experiences and strengths. We welcome applicants with transferable skills, diverse backgrounds, and a passion for social justice to apply, while ensuring they meet the key requirements listed above.