Temporary Legal Aid Staff Attorney: Sealing Eviction Records (Central or Western MA)

CLA seeks an attorney to work for the period of one year in one of its offices in central or western Mass. The attorney will focus their work on assisting tenants seal their eviction records under a recently-enacted state law, including drafting and filing petitions and representing tenants in court on sealing petitions. The attorney will work closely with members of CLA's housing unit to identify tenants who can benefit from the sealing law, and will engage in robust community outreach, including know-your-rights trainings and eviction-sealing clinics. The attorney will also collaborate with members of CLA's re-entry unit to design community outreach events where people can seek help sealing not only their eviction records but also their eligible criminal records. The attorney will be involved in some grant-reporting activities and will be expected to travel to all five counties in which CLA serves clients.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Recent law school graduates and more experienced attorneys are eligible to apply.
• Applicant must be barred in or eligible to practice in Massachusetts.
• 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.
• Experience in community outreach is helpful, as is fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Haitian-Creole, or Arabic.

COMPENSATION: The starting salary for this position is $73,000, 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); and relocation stipend. CLA has a hybrid work environment and requires advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week

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.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please submit cover letter and resume electronically or mail to Alicia Vaughan, Human Resources Director, Community Legal Aid, 370 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608. In your cover letter please indicate which of CLA's offices you would prefer to work in, and which you would be unable 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.