Description:

A Public Interest Law Firm 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.

A Public Interest Law Firm 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.