CLA seeks a staff attorney to help formerly incarcerated individuals overcome the legal barriers that impede their successful re-entry into society. The attorney will assist individuals with sealing, expunging, or correcting their Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI). The attorney will also assist individuals with overcoming the barriers to employment and housing posed by their criminal records, including representation before administrative agencies and in court. 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 be based in CLA's Springfield office.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Law students currently in their third year of law school, recent law school graduates, and more experienced attorneys are eligible to apply.
• Prior experience in re-entry work and community outreach is preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred
• Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to poverty law and social justice work.
• 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 $73,000, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience.
• CLA has a hybrid work environment and requires advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week.
• CLA offers a very generous benefits package that includes:
  • 401(k) with employer-paid contribution of 5% gross salary
  • 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)
  • Student loan repayment assistance up to $500/month for qualified law school and undergraduate school loans
  • Relocation reimbursement up to $2,500

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please submit your resume and cover letter online on our website. Alternatively, you can mail your application to Human Resources Director, Community Legal Aid, 370 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608.

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

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.