Housing Law Attorney Position

POSITION AVAILABLE

HOUSING

LAW ATTORNEY

Connecticut Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) seeks a committed attorney to fill an attorney position with an initial focus in the Right to Counsel Program (RTC) covering cases filed in the Waterbury housing session from CLS's Waterbury office. RTC focuses on eviction defense and other housing matters. CLS seeks applicants who will use their legal training to improve the lives of low-income people and further CLS' holistic and client-centered work. CLS lawyers represent families and individuals in administrative hearings, and in state and federal courts, as well as advocating in various settings for changes in laws and systems to benefit low-income communities. CLS encourages lawyers addressing complex or systemic client issues to work in teams, which may include other legal services lawyers and/or other local community agencies. Attorneys are expected to:

• maintain an active caseload of representation and advice cases, including regular remote or in-person court appearances and administrative hearings appearances
• conduct community outreach remotely and in-person, and coordinate with other social service agencies working with our clients
• help identify larger trends and issues for our clients, while working with the CLS Housing Unit to develop strategies to respond to those trends and issues

QUALIFICATIONS

• Deep and demonstrated commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income, vulnerable, and marginalized communities, and to CLS' mission, vision, goals, and values;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to write persuasively and clearly and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations;
• Demonstrated ability both to collaborate closely with colleagues and to work independently when necessary;
• Creativity and flexibility in solving problems and meeting challenges;
• Connecticut Bar admission or ability to be sworn in immediately; and
• Knowledge and experience in Connecticut court practice.

START DATE

As soon as possible

COMPENSATION

Salary $70,000-$135,782, depending on years of experience; excellent vacation/leave, health, and other benefits.

APPLICATION

Applicants should send a cover letter clearly describing their qualifications, resume, 3-7 page original writing sample, and the names and contact information for three references to . CLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to our staff and legal services practice. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the position is filled. In order to expedite the internal sorting and reviewing process, please type your name (Last, First) and "Attorney Application" as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail.

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

CLS is Connecticut's largest non-profit law firm, providing free legal help to low-income people in areas including housing, consumer, elder, family law, public benefits, children in crisis, immigration, employment, and disability. With a staff of 70 in seven offices across Connecticut, CLS fights for equal justice and improved life opportunities for more than 12,000 people every year.