Staff Attorney: Elder Law - Community Legal Aid & Affiliate

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 Mass. CLA has over 150 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 seeks a staff attorney to work in its Elder Law Unit. The staff attorney will be based in CLA's Fitchburg office and will assist individuals who are at least 60 years old with legal matters that affect their health, safety, and well-being. The attorney will help clients seeking to obtain or maintain SNAP, SSDI, SSI, SSP, and other benefits. The attorney will also assist clients seeking safety from abuse and exploitation. The attorney will also represent clients of any age seeking access to, or preservation of, Medicare benefits. The attorney will have significant client contact and will assume an active caseload while continuing to accept new cases. The attorney will engage in community outreach and education and will work closely with community partners including elder service agencies. Some grant-writing and grant-reporting required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Law students currently in their third year of law school, recent law school graduates, and more experienced attorneys are eligible to apply. Candidates should have sensitivity to the unique challenges facing elders. Prior elder law experience, particularly with low-income clients, strongly preferred. Fluency in a second language, especially Spanish, preferred. Prior experience with administrative agency advocacy and hearings is helpful. Access to reliable transportation and willingness to conduct elder home visits on occasion is required.

COMPENSATION: The starting salary for this position is $71,500, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience. 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); law school loan repayment assistance; and relocation stipend. CLA has a hybrid work environment and requires advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please apply online. Alternatively, you can email your cover letter and resume to: Alicia Vaughan, HR Director, Community Legal Aid, 370 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608, or email avaughan@cla-ma.org.

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.