Staff Attorney - Employment

New Haven Legal Assistance Association (NHLAA) is a legal aid organization, founded in 1964 in the midst of the Civil Rights movement. We were established on the principle that everyone, regardless of race or income, should have equal access to the justice system. We work side by side and in relationship with the community in order to lift up our clients’ voices and achieve racial, economic, and social justice. NHLAA serves clients living in 22 cities and towns in the Greater New Haven and Lower Naugatuck Valley communities.

 About the Position

The staff attorney will provide legal assistance to individuals facing a range of employment-related issues such as wage theft, workplace discrimination, sick, family, and medical leave, unemployment insurance, and labor trafficking. Because immigrant workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, this staff attorney would work in close collaboration with our Immigration Law Unit to provide support with applications for U- or T-visas. 

Required Qualifications

• Active bar membership;

• Knowledge of relevant employment law;

• Experience representing clients in administrative proceedings, state court and/or federal court;

• Demonstrated commitment to grassroots efforts for economic, racial and social justice;

• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations;

• Excellent organizational skills;

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to present to diverse audiences, specifically racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities;

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively;

• Ability and willingness to adjust work schedule to meet client needs, including weekend and evening when necessary;

• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel independently for off-site meetings, trainings and court appearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Spanish language skills;

• Experience working with community organizers

Location

• NHLAA’s primary office is located in New Haven. Occasional travel to court and to our satellite office in Derby, Connecticut will also be required.

Timeline

• The position will begin as soon as possible.

Compensation

• Salaries will be based on experience and in accordance with our salary scale. For example, an attorney with 10 years of legal experience will have a starting salary of $88,100. We offer generous benefits, including a 403(b) retirement plan; health, dental, vision, and short term disability insurance; sick leave; vacation; most observed state and federal holidays; and loan repayment assistance. 

Application Instructions 

• Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and list of at least three references to Carolyn Gontarski at cgontarski@nhlegal.org. NHLAA invites 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. 

It is the policy of New Haven Legal Assistance to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. 

We offer generous benefits, including a 403(b) retirement plan; health, dental, vision, and short term disability insurance; sick leave; vacation; most observed state and federal holidays; and loan repayment assistance.