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 in Waterbury and Bridgeport. 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
• Connecticut bar admission
• Spanish language fluency (preferred)
• 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 also to work independently when necessary
• Creativity and flexibility in solving problems and meeting challenges.
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applicants should send a cover letter clearly describing their qualifications, a resume, a 3-7 page original writing sample, and the names and contact information for three references to [email protected]. CLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how their unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice.