Staff Attorney: Housing - Community Legal Aid & Affiliate

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

CLA seeks housing attorneys to work in its Greenfield and Springfield offices. The attorneys will represent tenants in eviction cases, assist tenants facing denials or terminations from public and subsidized housing programs, and handle other housing-related matters. The attorneys will regularly participate in a Housing Court lawyer-for-the day program. The attorneys will have significant client contact, will engage in community outreach and education, and will work closely with community partners.

QUALIFICATIONS: Recent law school graduates and more experienced attorneys are eligible to apply. Experience in landlord-tenant work preferred, as is fluency in Spanish. 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 work environment and requires advocates to work in their assigned office at least three 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. The cover letter should specify which office(s) the applicant is willing to work in.

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.