Temporary Staff Attorney, Victims of Crime – CLA

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 150 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 seeks a staff attorney to work in its Springfield office for the period of one year on a project designed to help victims of crime with a wide variety of civil legal matters. The attorney will help clients with cases involving access to housing, benefits, and health insurance programs; education law issues; and elder abuse. A portion of the attorney’s work will focus on assisting victims of domestic violence and harassment, including seeking restraining orders and handling other domestic relations matters. The position is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance to provide holistic services to victims of crime.

QUALIFICATIONS: Recent law school graduates and more experienced attorneys are eligible to apply. 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. Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese and/or Vietnamese a plus.

COMPENSATION: The starting salary for this position is $65,500, 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; paid leave (4 weeks vacation, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays); and relocation stipend. CLA has a hybrid workplace and requires at least three days per week in the office.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please apply online on our website at: https://communitylegal.org/get-involved/work-with-us/job-openings/. Alternatively, you can submit your cover letter and resume to avaughan@cla-ma.org or mail to Alicia Vaughan, Human Resources Director, Community Legal Aid, 370 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608.

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.