New Haven Legal Assistance Association, Inc. (NHLAA) seeks a staff attorney to represent low-income individuals in family law matters, including proceedings involving Divorce, Custody, and Child Support.
NHLAA is a legal aid organization, founded in 1964 in the midst of the Civil Rights movement. We were established on the principle that everyone, regardless of race, income, or health, should have equal access to the justice system. We serve clients living in 22 cities and towns in the Greater New Haven and Lower Naugatuck Valley communities. Our clients are primarily people of color impacted by the legacy of structural racialization, systemic racism, and implicit bias, and now, increased risk of violence, housing instability, and lack of safety because they are disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. They are children, low-wage workers, domestic violence survivors, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and immigrants.
The attorney will be expected to:
• Represent NHLAA clients throughout our service area in divorce, custody, and child support matters;
• Maintain an active caseload of representation and advice cases which will require regular remote court appearances (and in person court appearances as the courts reopen);
• Conduct community outreach in the form of Know Your Rights presentations, community listening sessions, and staffing office hours at social service agencies;
• Coordinate with other social service agencies working with our clients;
• Help identify larger trends and issues for our clients, and work to develop strategies to respond to those trends and issues.
Qualifications:
• Admission to the Connecticut Bar.
• Demonstrated commitment to grassroots efforts for economic, racial, and social justice.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people of different and diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to present to diverse audiences, specifically racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Family Law experience preferred.
• Have a valid driver’s license; access to a car; and current insurance
Application: Applicants should send a cover letter clearly describing their qualifications, resume, and the names and contact information for three references to [email protected]. NHLAA invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the position is filled.