ATTORNEY POSITION AVAILABLE

Connecticut Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) seeks to fill one full-time attorney position in the area of child advocacy in the Bridgeport and Danbury areas. The position will focus on educational advocacy, particularly for children and youth involved in the juvenile court. The position will also include juvenile court work, DCF advocacy, and litigation support focusing on the rights of children in public schools and institutions.

CLS seeks applicants who want to use their legal training to improve the lives of low-income people. CLS encourages holistic client-centered work which goes beyond specific legal specialties. CLS lawyers represent families and individuals in administrative hearings, and in state and federal courts. CLS encourages lawyers addressing major client issues to work in teams, which may include other legal services lawyers and or other local community agencies.

The attorney will
• receive extensive training in the area of law assigned
• maintain an active caseload of representation and advice cases
• conduct community outreach and coordinate with other social service agencies working with our clients
• help identify larger trends and issues for our client, and work to develop strategies to respond to those trends and issues.

Qualifications: We particularly seek applicants with experience in or connections to low-income and/or minority communities. Applicants with Spanish language ability welcome, although not required.

Start /Date: August 25, 2008 or later.

Compensation: Salary depends on experience; excellent vacation/leave, health, and pension benefits.

Application: Applicants should send cover letter, resume, writing sample, and the names and contact information of three references to: Deborah Witkin, Deputy Director, Connecticut Legal Services, Inc., 62 Washington Street, Middletown, CT 06457.

LEGAL ASSISTANT POSITION AVAILABLE

Connecticut Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) is filling a legal assistant position in Willimantic. The legal assistant will be responsible for providing support to advocacy staff and providing general support services for the office. CLS seeks applicants who want to use and develop their skills to improve the lives of low-income people.

A legal assistant may:
• under the supervision of an attorney, assist with client matters such as interviews, fact gathering, negotiating, research, writing, and administrative advocacy,
• assist with general office duties, such as word processing, filing, answering phones, and making appointments,
• provide regular language interpretation and/or translation as needed.

Qualifications: Excellent written and verbal English communication skills; proficiency in and/or ability to learn Word, Outlook, and other basic computer programs; Spanish and/or other language fluency preferred, prior advocacy experience helpful.
Applications from people with experience in or connections to low-income communities are especially welcome, though not required.

Start /Date: August 15, 2008 or later

Compensation: Salary depends on experience; excellent vacation/leave, health, and pension benefits.

Application: Applicants should send cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three references to:

Hilda Rios, Office Manager
Connecticut Legal Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 258
Willimantic, CT 06226
hrios@ConnLegalServices.org

CLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

DISCLAIMER    ©2006 CONNECTICUT LEGAL SERVICES, INC