FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY (WILLIMANTIC, CT)

CLS seeks to fill an attorney position with an initial assignment in Family Law, Willimantic Office, covering cases in the Windham and Tolland Judicial Districts.

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 attorneys represent families and individuals in administrative hearings, in state and federal courts, and advocate 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 attorneys and/or other local community agencies.

Members of CLS’ Family Unit work primarily with victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or other crimes by assisting with applications for Temporary Restraining Orders; staffing one of CLS Restraining Order Project offices, advising self-represented parties as they navigate the court process; and representing clients at hearings and trials in restraining order, divorce or custody cases.

Attorneys are expected to:

• Maintain an active caseload of representation and advice cases, including regular court and/or administrative hearing appearances and provide back up and support to colleagues in other offices, as necessary.
• Conduct community outreach in-person and coordinate with other social service agencies working with our clients;
• Identify larger trends and issues for our clients, and work to develop strategies to respond to those trends and issues.

START DATE: ASAP

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Deep and demonstrated commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income, vulnerable, and marginalized communities, and to CLS’ mission, vision, goals, and values;
• 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 to work independently when necessary;
• Creativity and flexibility in solving problems and meeting challenges;
• Connecticut Bar admission or ability to be sworn in immediately; and
• Knowledge and experience in Connecticut court practice.

COMPENSATION: Salary $70,000-$135,782, depending on years of experience; excellent vacation/leave, health, and other benefits.

APPLICATION: Applicants should send a cover letter clearly describing their qualifications, resume, 3-7 page original writing sample, and the names and contact information for three references to applications@ctlegal.org. CLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to our staff and legal services practice.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the position is filled. In order to expedite the internal sorting and reviewing process, please type your name (Last, First) and “Attorney Application” as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail.

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION: CLS is Connecticut’s largest non-profit law firm, providing free legal help to low-income people in areas including housing, consumer, elder, family law, public benefits, children in crisis, immigration, employment, and disability. With a staff of 70 in seven offices across Connecticut, CLS fights for equal justice and improved life opportunities for more than 12,000 people every year.

For more information about CLS, visit http://ctlegal.org

Pay: $70,000.00 - $135,782.00 per year

Work Location: In person