April 25, 2024
Legal Aid Attorney: Community Lawyering (Springfield)
Springfield, MA
Central West Justice Center (CWJC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Community Legal Aid (CLA). Together, CWJC and CLA have over 160 dedicated, talented staff working across multiple offices in Central and Western Massachusetts. Our core work includes effective client-centered advocacy and robust outreach to and partnerships with our client communities.
CWJC seeks an attorney to work in its Springfield office for the period of one year on a community lawyering pilot project designed to develop and strengthen relationships between legal aid programs and community groups. The primary objective of the project is to support grassroots community groups in Western Massachusetts as they work to build the power of residents most affected by economic and racial inequity, with the goal of creating a model that can be replicated with other legal aid programs and community organizations throughout Massachusetts. The lawyer will work in partnership with community groups, particularly Springfield No One Leaves; attend community meetings; design “know your rights” trainings; represent group members in legal proceedings, including eviction proceedings; and provide strategic advice to the groups. The position will require attendance at meetings outside of normal business hours.
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 community lawyering work and/or landlord-tenant work is preferred. Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities, strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to work in a collaborative setting are important. Reliable transportation is required.
COMPENSATION: The starting salary for this position is $71,500, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience. CWJC 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. CWJC has a hybrid work environment and requires advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Please apply online at https://communitylegal.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1180515-9892.html. Alternatively, you can submit your cover letter and resume to: Alicia Vaughan, HR Director, Community Legal Aid, 370 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608, or email avaughan@cla-ma.org.
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.
