Employment Opportunities at CLASI

POSITION TITLE: Managing Attorney, Disabilities Law Program (DLP)

LOCATION: Any one of the three CLASI offices (Kent, New Castle, or Sussex County)

REPORTS TO: DLP Project Director

SALARY: Depending on experience, plus management bump; excellent benefits.

POSTING DATE: January 24, 2023

DEADLINE: Until filled

CONTEXT OF POSITION: The Disabilities Law Program (DLP) provides free legal representation to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities to protect them from abuse and neglect and to advocate for their legal rights in the community (e.g., civil rights, educational services, medical services, housing, government benefits, treatment in the least restrictive environment). The DLP serves as Delaware’s Protection and Advocacy System for People with Disabilities (“P&A”). For more information about what a P&A is, see: https://youtu.be/m3vYxSe3s4M.

The Managing Attorney of the DLP will provide advocacy leadership/coordination, legal supervision, and co-counsel support within the program. This attorney will supervise and coordinate the legal advocacy of attorney and advocacy staff working in the DLP throughout the state. The attorney will promote an appropriate mix of advocacy (e.g. litigation in judicial and administrative forums; legislative, regulatory, and committee work; community education), will cultivate impact litigation, and support the Project Director with policy advocacy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.  Coordinate, supervise, and support legal advocacy of DLP staff statewide.

2.  Maintain reduced individual caseload as needed.

3.  Oversee and provide direct representation in impact cases and co-counseling support to other DLP attorneys.

4.  Participate in policy work, councils, groups, and committees as delegated by the Project Director.

5.  Plan, coordinate, and implement disabilities training to new and existing staff in conjunction with CLASI’s Advocacy Director.

6.  Coordinate the recruitment and assessment of applicants for DLP legal staff positions.

7.  Orient, train, mentor, support, and supervise DLP legal staff in on-going casework.

8.  Monitor caseloads and management and processing of cases to promote quality of representation.

9.  Collaborate with Project Director in developing and monitoring achievement of program priorities.

10.  Fulfill any other reasonably related program duties delegated by the Project Director.

11.  Serve as a member of CLASI’s Senior Management and Leadership Teams and participate actively in other CLASI committees to support the good of the organization.

12.  Collaborate with staff across CLASI’s other programs to facilitate and enhance the direct representation, information and referral, and systemic advocacy of CLASI clients.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bar Admission required; Delaware Bar Admission preferred. If not admitted in Delaware, must be eligible for and will register to take the next scheduled Delaware Bar Examination.

2.  Minimum of five years’ experience as an attorney required.

3.  Experience in P&A, legal aid/legal services corporation, disability, or civil rights advocacy required, including experience in litigation, legislative and regulatory advocacy, and training.

4.  Ability and willingness to frequently travel statewide required.

5.  Supervisory experience of staff and programs preferred.

6.  Ability to communicate in Spanish, Creole or ASL preferred.

7.  Interest in and knowledge of the legal issues affecting individuals with disabilities preferred.

8.  Ability to travel independently and work evenings and weekends as needed for out-of-office training sessions, agency-related meetings, and community education presentations.

9.  Ability to travel to and attend overnight conferences throughout the United States.

10.  Ability to apply modern technology to the performance of legal work and tasks.

11.  Successful completion of government clearance by the United States Government Office of Personnel Management is required for this position. Clearance must be completed/obtained within the first 3 months of hire and other background checks as may be required by funders.

12.  Must complete COVID-19 primary vaccination series, booster, and bivalent booster (unless exemption applies).

CLASI strongly encourages interested candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, people who are LGBTQ+, veterans, people with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups. CLASI is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Candidates are encouraged to share with us how they will add to our diversity.

APPLICATION: Provide letter of interest and résumé to Laura Waterland, at lwaterland@declasi.org

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

POSITION TITLE: Full-time Qualified Tenant Advocate/Housing Advocate

LOCATION: Delaware statewide responsibilities – home office in Wilmington, Dover, or Georgetown

REPORTS TO: Managing/Supervising Attorney, Housing

SALARY: Depending on experience; excellent benefits.

POSTING DATE: January 18, 2023

CONTEXT OF POSITION: CLASI provides free legal representation to people with disabilities, people age 60 or over, people with low incomes, and victims of crime and discrimination to help our clients obtain shelter, government benefits, educational services, medical services, orders of protection from abuse, legal immigration status, and other civil legal remedies. CLASI provides employees with a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Effective March 1, 2022, the Delaware Supreme Court has authorized Qualified Tenant Advocates to represent tenants in eviction matters, both in and out of court, under the supervision of a legal aid attorney.

Qualified Tenant Advocates, under the supervision of attorneys in the Housing Unit, will assist clients with eviction defense in each of the three Delaware Counties: New Castle, Kent or Sussex County. The Qualified Tenant Advocate (“QTA”) will focus on helping clients facing eviction to achieve housing stability. The QTA will handle intake and client representation duties. The QTA will focus on identifying any potential defenses a tenant may have that would save the tenant from being evicted and will represent the tenant in alternative dispute resolution, resource navigation, negotiations, and/or in any eviction hearing in the Justice of the Peace Court.

The Qualified Tenant Advocate will have paid, employer-provided, on-the-job training. In addition, this position will provide opportunities for professional development.

The applicant for this position must be able to interact effectively with and be sensitive to the special needs of CLASI clients, including older adults, individuals with physical and mental disabilities, people with low incomes, and people with limited English proficiency.

DUTIES:
-Undergo an extensive training program and continuous training, supervision and evaluation.

-Conduct intake and interview clients; engage in factual investigations.

-Under supervision of attorneys, provide advocacy in eviction defense cases, including representing tenants in alternative dispute resolution and/or in court for a hearing.

-Research and provide referrals to community resources, including the Delaware Housing Assistance Program, Eviction Prevention Navigators, and social services.

-Assist clients to locate affordable housing and develop relationships with landlords and property managers throughout the state of Delaware

-Draft correspondence and other documents under the supervision of attorneys.

-Provide administrative support to attorneys.

-Travel as directed to see clients and participate in work-related activities, including outreach events and presentations that occur at night or on weekends, as needed.

-Become and remain well-informed regarding basic legal principles applicable to area(s) of practice.

-Interpret and/or translate documents for other CLASI staff, as needed.

-Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
-Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

-Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, both orally and in writing, strongly preferred, but not required.

-Commitment to working with marginalized populations and sensitivity to their needs.

-Ability and willingness to make effective public presentations.

-Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

-Ability to travel across the state and work evenings and weekends occasionally for out-of-office training sessions, agency-related meetings, and community education presentations.

-Strong computer skills, including ability to use Microsoft Word, Outlook, etc.

-Ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.

-Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.

-Ability to accept constructive criticism, willingness to engage in continuous training, supervision, and evaluation.

CLASI strongly encourages interested candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, people who identify as LGBTQ, veterans, people with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups. CLASI is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

CLASI is unionized and members of the bargaining unit (attorneys and advocates) are represented by Delaware Legal Aid Workers, NOLSW/UAW Local 2320. This position will be in the bargaining unit. CLASI’s salary scale is available at the bottom of this page.

TO APPLY: Please email a cover letter, resume, and list of references to Sarah Rhine at SRhine@DECLASI.org

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

POSITION: Full-time Staff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership/Immigration/Domestic Violence Programs

SALARY: Commensurate with experience and CLASI’s collective bargaining agreement.

REPORTS TO: Deputy Director, MLP/Immigration/DV Managing Attorney, MLP Supervising Attorney

LOCATION: New Castle County, with some statewide duties

POSITION CLOSES: Open until filled

CONTEXT OF POSITION: The staff attorney works primarily under the direction of the CLASI MLP/Immigration/DV Managing Attorney. The attorney supervises related paralegals. The attorney will be responsible for providing direct legal assistance to clients, often in court, providing training for partners and the community, engaging in systemic and policy advocacy, and other duties as identified and necessary to meet the objectives of the program objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide direct legal services to clients.
2. Supervise paralegal(s).
3. Prepare articles and brochures and conduct training for partners.
4. Travel throughout Delaware and out of state as necessary.
5. Participate in related local and national coalitions and groups.
6. Assist with the collection, preparation and presentation of data and analysis.
7. Assist in drafting and analyzing legislation, regulations and policies.
8. Other duties as assigned depending on funding and needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Admission to the Delaware bar preferred. If not admitted, admission to bar of another state preferred. If not admitted in Delaware, must be eligible to take the next scheduled Delaware Bar Examination.
2. Legal Services and trial advocacy experience and interest strongly preferred.
3. Interest in and knowledge of the legal issues affecting individuals with disabilities, non-Citizens, and people who are low income preferred.
4. Sensitivity to special needs of individuals with disabilities, non-Citizens, and individuals with low incomes.
5. Two-year commitment required.
6. Good organizational skills and initiative, and interest in engaging a broad range of advocacy skills, including litigation.
7. Willingness and ability to perform some duties in health care settings, including but not limited to holding office hours to meet with clients on-site within the Christiana Care Health System
8. Must exhibit patience, tact, and respect when dealing with the public, clients, and colleagues/staff.
9. Must be flexible since priorities and areas of emphasis may change depending on our funding and client needs.
10. Bilingual abilities are preferred but not required.

CLASI strongly encourages interested candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, people who are LGBTQ+, veterans, people with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups. CLASI is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Candidates are encouraged to share with us how they will add to our diversity.

To apply, email cover letter and resume to Laura Graham at lgraham@declasi.org

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

POSITION: CLASI Staff Attorney

START DATE: Fall 2023

SALARY: Commensurate with experience and CLASI’s collective bargaining agreement. Details on pay/benefits can be found below.

REPORTS TO: Managing Attorneys, Supervising Attorneys

LOCATION: One of our three Delaware offices (New Castle, Kent, or Sussex County)

POSTING OPENS: September 1, 2022

POSTING CLOSES: When filled

CONTEXT OF POSITION: CLASI anticipates adding multiple staff attorneys in Fall 2023.  We are looking for candidates who have flexible interests and skills because grant funding, staff turnover, and organizational needs will require us to determine the program assignment closer to the start date.  We will guarantee geographic location at time of offer.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide direct legal services to clients and advocate on behalf of clients in court/litigation, administrative hearings, and various other venues.
2. Supervise paralegal(s).
3. Engage in community education.
4. Assist in drafting and analyzing legislation, regulations and policies.
5. Engage in impact/systemic litigation/advocacy.
6. Other duties as assigned depending on funding and needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Admission to the Delaware bar preferred.  If not admitted, admission to bar of another state preferred.  If not admitted in Delaware, must be eligible to take the next scheduled Delaware Bar Examination and meet admission requirements including character and fitness.
2. Legal Services/P & A experience strongly preferred.
3. Interest in and knowledge of the legal issues affecting individuals who are poor and with disabilities required.
4. Sensitivity to and experience with serving vulnerable populations required.
5. Two-year commitment required.
6. Good organizational skills and initiative, and interest in engaging a broad range of advocacy skills, including litigation required
7. Willingness and ability to perform some duties in health care settings if necessary required.
8. Must exhibit patience, tact, and respect when dealing with the public, clients, and staff.
9. Must be flexible since priorities and areas of emphasis may change depending on our funding and client needs.
10. Spanish or language other than English fluency/proficiency is helpful but not required.
11. COVID Vaccination will be required.

What to Include in your application: Please include a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, resume, three professional references and one brief writing sample (10 pages or less).

CLASI values a diverse work environment and strongly encourages women, people of color, veterans, people who identify as LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, people who have experienced poverty or homelessness and people who have had prior contact with the juvenile, criminal, or child welfare systems to apply. CLASI invites and encourages all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice.

To apply, email cover letter and resume to attorneyjobs@declasi.org

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

CLASI conducts testing for compliance with Fair Housing laws in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex County. Trained testers pose as home seekers and visit housing providers to collect information to assist with regional monitoring and investigations. Testers are paid a small stipend ($50 – $65) for their efforts and are reimbursed for mileage, tolls, and postage. Testers document their experiences objectively, so attention to detail and excellent writing skills are required. CLASI relies on fax and/or e-mail to notify testers, set up scenarios, and submit tests. Qualified applicants will have access to a reliable form of transportation. Accepted applicants must attend a 2 – 3 hour training session and complete a paid practice test.

Contact person:  If interested, contact CLASI Fair Housing Test Coordinator Linda Jackson at ljackson@declasi.org, or (302) 575-0660 ext. 259, or toll free: 1-800-292-7980.

Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (“CLASI”) will sponsor candidates for post-graduate public interest attorney fellowships provided by the Skadden Foundation, Equal Justice Works, or other identified foundations.  A fellowship at CLASI provides recent law school graduates interested in a public interest law career the opportunity to work at a non-LSC funded legal services and Protection and Advocacy program.  Since its establishment in 1946, CLASI has remained the largest non-profit public interest law firm in Delaware.  More information about CLASI can be found at www.declasi.org.

CLASI will accept fellowship applications through July 5 each year. Interested candidates may wish to consult with us in advance regarding suggestions for viable proposals. We encourage interested candidates with diverse cultural backgrounds and/or oral proficiency in languages other than English to contact us.  Interested candidates should submit the following electronically:

• Resume
• Cover letter addressing their interest and experience in public interest work and poverty/disability/elder law and describing any ideas for a fellowship proposal.
• Although we ask that you describe any ideas you have regarding a fellowship proposal, please note that it is not necessary to have a proposal at this stage of the application process.
• One or two brief legal writing samples
• Law school transcript
• List of three references
• A list of any other organizations with whom you are pursuing fellowship opportunities.

These materials should be sent via email to the attention of Daniel Atkins, CLASI Executive Director, at datkins@declasi.org. Candidates may address any questions about the application process to Daniel Atkins: (302) 575-0660, ext. 229 or datkins@declasi.org.

Please note that CLASI may sponsor more than one individual for each fellowship opportunity and that fellowship awards are not guarantees of employment with CLASI once the fellowship expires.