November 19, 2024

Staff Attorney: Education (Greenfield or Springfield)

Greenfield or Springfield, MA

Community Legal Aid (CLA) is the non-profit legal services program providing free civil legal assistance to low-income and elderly residents of central and western Massachusetts. CLA has over 180 dedicated, talented staff working across multiple offices. Our core work includes effective client-centered advocacy and partnerships with our client communities.

CLA seeks a staff attorney to work in its education law unit. The attorney will be based in CLA’s Greenfield or Springfield office and will assist at-risk students with cases involving Individualized Education Programs, school discipline (including suspensions and expulsions), language access, and other issues specifically affecting low-income students. The attorney may also assist children with disabilities seeking to obtain or maintain benefits from the Social Security Administration, with a focus on cases at the reconsideration and appeal levels. The attorney will conduct community outreach and education and may assist in the preparation of periodic grant reports.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Law students currently in their third year of law school, recent law school graduates, and more experienced attorneys are eligible to apply. Experience in education law preferred, as is fluency in Spanish. Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities, strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to work in a collaborative setting are important.

COMPENSATION: The starting salary for this position is $71,500, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience. CLA offers a very generous benefits package that includes 401(k) with employer-paid contribution; low-cost health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents; malpractice insurance; paid leave (4 weeks vacation, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays); law school loan repayment assistance; and relocation stipend. CLA has a hybrid work environment and requires advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please submit your resume and cover letter online. Alternatively, you can submit your application to iliu@cla-ma.org or mail to Ingrid Liu, Recruitment Coordinator, Community Legal Aid, 370 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608. The cover letter should specify whether the candidate is willing to work in either office, or is only interested in one.

CLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. CLA encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.