Website A Better Balance
Using the power of the law to advance justice for workers.
Organization Description:
A Better Balance (ABB) is a national legal advocacy organization that uses the power of the law to advance justice for workers, so they can care for themselves and their loved ones without jeopardizing their economic security. Our expert legal team combats discrimination against pregnant workers and caregivers and advances supportive policies like paid sick time, paid family and medical leave, fair scheduling, and accessible, quality childcare and eldercare. When we value the work of providing care, which has long been marginalized due to sexism and racism, our communities and nation are healthier and stronger. We remain steadfast in working to dismantle the intersectional forms of injustice that contribute to the structural inequality working families in this country face, including but not limited to, gender injustice, racial injustice, economic injustice, health injustice, and injustice against immigrants, LGTBQIA communities, and people with disabilities, and are seeking candidates who are committed to this work.
Since our founding, A Better Balance has been working to value the labor of caregiving and to shift the debate over work-family issues from those that center the concerns of white, professional workers to be inclusive of a focus on the needs of low-wage workers and workers of color. We approach our work around the country with these values at the forefront. Ensuring families of color have access to strong work-family policies—especially BIPOC workers who are currently the least likely to have access to these policies due to centuries of institutionalized racism, systemic barriers to economic mobility, and pervasive discrimination—is a core principle of ABB’s work.
The organization has fought for and won new paid leave policies, important pregnancy and caregiver protections, breastfeeding accommodations, inclusive protections for all families, including LGBTQ families, and victories on other economic justice issues federally and throughout the country. Our advocacy work and legal efforts have gained national recognition in dozens of outlets including The New York Times, Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. We are dedicated to lifting up the voices of our clients, who are predominantly low-wage working women of color, and those most directly affected by our policy work. Our free and confidential helpline provides legal assistance and information to low-wage workers.
ABB is based in New York City and maintains an office in Washington, D.C., a Southern regional office headquartered in Nashville, TN, and an office in Denver, CO.
Position Description:
Based in the United States, and working remotely out of our office in New York City, the Law Fellow will support A Better Balance’s mission of advancing justice for women, families, and caregivers through the provision of direct legal services. The Law Fellow will staff our free and confidential legal helpline to directly assist low-wage workers nationwide facing challenges at work related to sick leave, family and medical leave, pregnancy discrimination, breastfeeding, and other issues impacting their ability to care for themselves or their loved ones without jeopardizing their financial security. The Law Fellow will primarily conduct intakes with and provide know-your-rights information to workers in English and Spanish. The Law Fellow will also help assess cases for representation and may have the opportunity to represent low-wage workers in settlement negotiations and/or litigation. In addition, the Law Fellow will conduct occasional know-your-rights trainings for workers in English and Spanish and will also develop and provide translation support for know-your-rights materials in English and Spanish. This is a one-year fellowship position with the possibility of extension that we are looking to fill as soon as possible.
Qualifications:
● JD and admitted to practice law (or admission pending)
● Spanish fluency required
● Experience providing direct legal services preferred
● Experience or background in employment law preferred
● Commitment to work/family law and policy, reproductive health, women’s rights, civil rights, racial justice, LGBTQ rights, disability rights, or advocacy for low-income individuals
● Excellent written and oral communication, advocacy, research, and analytical skills
● Self-motivated with ability to thrive in a fast-paced, remote work environment
● Great attention to detail and organizational skills
FULL TIME EQUIVALENT
Full time (37.5 hours per week)
Salary and Benefits:
Salary range is $68,000-$72,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
ABB offers 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave with full wage replacement, accrued paid time off up to 19.5 days a year (or 26 days a year after 5 years with the organization), up to 20 separate paid sick days a year, paid time off for 13 holidays, 3 paid personal days a year, and paid bereavement leave. ABB is also proud to use the same model inclusive family definition that we advocate for around the country.
We offer pre-tax health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as access to pre-tax retirement contributions. An overview of our current benefits program is available here. ABB also provides reimbursement towards certain professional fees, as well as stipends and reimbursement for home office expenses.
Given our organizational mission, we are committed to encouraging a healthy work/life balance for all employees.
How to Apply:
To apply, please e-mail a resume, tailored letter of interest, and writing sample to [email protected] with the subject line “Direct Services Fellowship – [First Name Last Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
A Better Balance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and we value diversity, inclusion, and belonging in our workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, family status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, arrest or conviction, or any other factor protected by law.
A Better Balance is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities or other medical needs. If you are an individual with a disability or other medical need and need assistance applying online, please e-mail [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.