Director of Access-to-Justice Initiatives

Community Legal; Norwalk (CT); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

16 paid holidays + PTO

Hybrid schedule

Medical, dental, vision, life, long‑​

401(k) with employer contribution

Student loan reimbursement

Bilingual bonus pay

Job summary

CLA SoCal seeks a Directing Attorney for Access to Justice to lead innovative programs expanding legal resources for underserved populations. You will oversee non-case handling units and partner with courts, bar associations, and funders to align services with organizational priorities.

The role is full-time and hybrid, with travel within the service area. Strong leadership, program management, and trauma-informed service experience are essential. Apply to advance equitable access to justice.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and active California Bar membership.
• 8+ years as an attorney.
• 3+ years in supervising and mentoring.
• Frequent travel within service area for representation and partnerships.
• General knowledge of state and federal trial and appellate work.
• Non-profit or legal aid background preferred.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Trauma‑informed services experience.
• Ability to work with diverse partners and legal communities.
• Proficiency with Clio and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of non-case handling access-to-justice programs.
• Supervise, mentor, and support supervising attorneys and program staff.
• Collaborate with program leaders on strategic planning and service delivery improvements.
• Serve as a liaison with courts, community organizations, bar associations, and funders.
• Partner with legal leadership to align programs and services with organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with Finance, HR, Operations, Compliance, and Fund Development for program management and funding.
• Monitor legal trends and community needs to inform improvements.
• Support grant development, reporting, and pro bono initiatives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Supervising attorneys

Stakeholder collaboration

Policy & compliance

Program management

Legal research

Education

Juris Doctor and active CA Bar membership

Tools

Clio

Microsoft Office

Job description

CLA SoCal seeks a Directing Attorney for Access to Justice to lead innovative programs expanding legal resources for underserved populations. You will oversee non-case handling units and partner with courts, bar associations, and funders to align services with organizational priorities.

The role is full-time and hybrid, with travel within the service area. Strong leadership, program management, and trauma-informed service experience are essential. Apply to advance equitable access to justice.