December 3, 2024
Staff Attorney – Crimmigration (CWJC – Worcester)
Worcester, MA
The Central West Justice Center (CWJC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Community Legal Aid (CLA). Together, these two programs provide a full range of civil legal services to the low-income and elderly residents of central and western Massachusetts. CWJC’s core work includes effective client-centered advocacy and robust outreach to and partnerships with our client communities.
CWJC seeks an attorney to provide legal assistance to individuals facing various legal barriers as a result of a criminal record. This includes representation in criminal record sealing and expungement proceedings; representation in appeals of public and subsidized housing and/or employment denials due to criminal records; advising clients on immigration consequences of criminal records; representation of clients with criminal records in affirmative or defensive immigration cases; referring clients for post-conviction relief; advising and representing clients facing other civil consequences of the criminal court system; and connecting clients with sustainable community support. In addition to representing individual clients, the attorney will engage in community outreach and education and will work closely with community partners. The attorney will work in CWJC’s Immigration Unit and will be based in CWJC’s Worcester office.
QUALIFICATIONS: Law students currently in their third year of law school, recent law school graduates, and more experienced attorneys are eligible to apply. Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, or Vietnamese strongly preferred, as is prior experience in immigration law and/or criminal and civil consequence law and 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 workplace and requires advocates to work in their assigned office at least 3 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.
CWJC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. CWJC encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
