Description:
A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Community Legal Aid is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Community Legal Aid (CLA). Together, A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Community Legal Aid 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.A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Community Legal Aid 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.
