Temporary Family Law Staff Attorney (Springfield Ma)

Community Legal Aid; Springfield (MA); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer contribution

Health insurance

Malpractice insurance

Paid leave

Student loan repayment assistance

Relocation stipend

Job summary

Community Legal Aid (CLA) seeks an attorney to join its Family Law Unit on a temporary basis for one year. Based in CLA's Springfield office, the attorney will assist clients in family law matters, including divorce, child support, visitation, and custody, with many clients being survivors of domestic violence and related crimes.

The attorney will manage an active caseload, engage in community outreach, and work with community partners including DV service providers, with some grant reporting

Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated dedication to social justice and working with low-income communities.
• Prior family law experience, particularly with survivors of domestic violence, preferred.
• Spanish language ability a plus.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in family law matters including divorce, child support, visitation, and custody.
• Maintain a significant caseload with strong client contact.
• Engage in community outreach and education; collaborate with domestic violence service providers.
• Assist with grant reporting as needed.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Social justice commitment

DV survivor experience

Spanish language (plus)

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission in MA or eligibility

Job description

CLA seeks an attorney to join its Family Law Unit on a temporary basis for the period of one year. The attorney will be based in CLA's Springfield office and will assist clients with cases involving family law matters including divorce, child support, visitation, and custody. It is anticipated that most of the attorney's clients will be survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes. The attorney will have significant client contact and will assume an active caseload while continuing to accept new cases. The attorney will also engage in community outreach and education and will work closely with community partners including domestic violence service providers. Some grant-reporting activities may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current third-year law students, recent law school graduates, and more experienced attorneys are encouraged to apply.
• Prior family law experience, particularly with survivors of domestic violence, preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A demonstrated dedication to social justice and commitment to working with low-income communities.
• Fluency in Spanish a plus.

COMPENSATION:

• The starting salary for this position is $73,000, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience.
• CLA has a hybrid work environment and requires advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week.
• 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)
  • Student loan repayment assistance up to $500/month for qualified law school and undergraduate school loans
  • Relocation stipend.

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 robust outreach to and partnerships with our client communities.

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.