Director of Access-to-Justice Programs

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

Description

Lead innovative access-to-justice programs that expand legal resources, strengthen community impact, and improve outcomes for underserved populations.

The Directing Attorney for Access to Justice oversees non-case handling Legal Services Department units including our Self-Help Legal Access Center (SHLAC), Eviction Diversion Pilot Program (EDPP) at the Los Angeles Superior Court in Compton, our Small Claims Advisory Board unit in Orange County, and our forthcoming JustOC Coordinated Entry System initiative. The Directing Attorney partners closely with the other Directing Attorneys to ensure programs align with organizational standards, compliance requirements, and community needs. While collaboration and input are expected, this role serves as the primary owner and ultimate decision-maker for access-to-justice programs and special projects. This is a full-time exempt position and reports to the Director of Legal Services.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of non-case handling access-to-justice programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, community needs, and compliance requirements.
• Supervise, mentor, and support supervising attorneys and program staff through coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Collaborate with program leaders on strategic planning, goal setting, service delivery improvements, and community partnerships.
• Serve as a key liaison with courts, community organizations, bar associations, government agencies, and organizational leadership.
• Partner with legal leadership to align programs, policies, and services with organizational priorities and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Compliance, and Fund Development to support effective program management, compliance, and funding requirements.
• Monitor legal trends, emerging community needs, and program performance to inform service enhancements and growth opportunities.
• Support grant development, reporting, pro bono initiatives, and other cross-functional projects that advance access to justice.
• Represent the organization with funders, community partners, courts, bar associations, and regulatory agencies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships that strengthen partnerships, program visibility, and community impact.
• Participate in strategic initiatives that advance equitable access to justice and high-quality legal services.
• Advocate for innovative, community-centered approaches that improve access to legal resources and support underserved populations.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Requirements

Education

• Juris Doctor and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience as an attorney.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing, supervising, and mentoring.
• Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.
• General legal knowledge of State and Federal trial and appellate work - Preferred.
• Previous legal aid or other non-profit organization experience - Preferred.
• Project management or program development experience - Strongly Preferred.
• Superior understanding of legal principles and their application, the rules of evidence, the conduct of court proceedings, civil and related codes of California, and legal research skills.
• Competent legal knowledge in all the practice areas for which they will be responsible for direct supervision of the Supervising Attorney and unit advocates.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues, Bar Associations, community partners, governmental bodies, and the Courts.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of effective training techniques for legal advocates.
• Experience in providing Trauma-Responsive/Informed services.
• Ability to implement organizational and grant policies and compliance guidelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Clio, and other software programs.
• Ability to model CLA SoCal's values & mission.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective.

Holistic Benefits

• May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
• A hybrid schedule.
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.