COMMUNITY ACTIVISM LAW ALLIANCE JOB OPENING:
STAFF ATTORNEY
CALA uses its model, "community activism lawyering," to unite lawyers and activists to collaboratively help underserved communities access justice and pursue social change. Through these partnerships, CALA creates “community activism-law clinics” within and co-operated by communities. CALA accomplishes its two principal objectives at once: provide cost-effective legal services to underserved individual clients and help our activist partners achieve broader social change. Through our work, CALA seeks to change not only how the legal aid system operates but also how lawyers and activists work together.
CALA is looking for an attorney with genuine interest in community lawyering, connecting the law with grassroots activism, and being part of a new legal services model to be a part of our early development. The staff attorney will have three primary responsibilities: 1) handling cases in multiple areas of law; 2) supporting the operations of CALA’s “community activism-law clinics” located directly in low-income communities, and 3) contributing to our community education and empowerment programs—know-your-rights presentations, self-help workshops, and our immigration Helpline.
CALA’s clinics provide legal services in several areas of law, particularly immigration, housing, family, and employment. While candidates should have experience in at least one of the above-mentioned areas, our priority is an attorney with strong experience and skill in civil litigation. Candidates should also be comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment. They must also be prepared to work non-traditional hours—some evenings and the occasional weekend day—and in non-traditional, multiple locations; in exchange, they are afforded great flexibility in work schedule. Preference may be given to applicants who are fluent in Spanish.
The starting salary will be based upon experience and qualifications, and is negotiable. The position is currently funded for six months, but we hope to convert it to a permanent position (based on funding) in July 2017. Benefits include medical insurance, travel reimbursement, generous paid time off, and coverage of professional fees.
CALA is an equal opportunity workplace and is committed to working closely and effectively with the communities that we serve. Individuals self-identifying as people of color, LGBTQI, socio-economically diverse, persons with a disability, or as otherwise having backgrounds and experiences underrepresented in the legal profession are highly encouraged to apply.
To apply, send a cover letter, resume, references, writing sample, and salary history to hiring@calachicago.org. We will accept applications until the position is filled.