CAREERS AT COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICES

Who is Community Legal Services:
Founded in 1966, Community Legal Services is one of the nation’s oldest civil legal services programs, earning a national reputation as one of the most successful in systemic and law reform advocacy.  CLS is a large, urban program which offers substantial opportunity for training and professional growth while allowing our staff take on the exciting challenge of delivering high quality legal services to a diverse client population.  CLS has two offices, a main office in Center City Philadelphia and a neighborhood office in North Philadelphia.

CLS attorneys are nationally recognized experts in their areas of specialty.  Our attorneys are regularly quoted in and contribute to the Philadelphia and national media such as the Philadelphia Inquirer,  the New York Times, National Public Radio, major network nightly news broadcasts, and CNN.  Additionally, CLS attorneys have testified before the U.S. Congress and are regularly consulted on legislation at the local, state and federal level.

Each year CLS serves more than 14,500 eligible clients, providing assistance on diverse civil legal problems involving social security, consumer protection, domestic violence, public assistance, landlord-tenant, bankruptcy, child welfare, employment problems, public utility access and rates, medical assistance, veteran’s benefits, health, and civil rights.  In addition to providing individual representation, all CLS lawyers are expected to participate in policy advocacy, community education, and impact litigation.  CLS is nationally recognized for the broad advocacy that it advances in the interests of our clients.

What is CLS' mission:
The CLS mission is to help low-income Philadelphia residents obtain equal access to justice by providing them with advice and representation in civil legal matters; advocating for their legal rights; and conducting community education about the legal issues that affect them.

Why work for CLS:
Our work allows all of our staff to make a positive impact on low-income communities throughout Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and often nationally.  A career with CLS is both an exciting and enriching experience and will allow you to help low-income individuals and families obtain equal access to justice.

What types of positions are available with CLS:
CLS offers a variety of employment opportunities for attorneys, interns & externs (summer & school-year), paralegals, support staff, development staff.  CLS also regularly hosts attorney fellowships and annually seeks candidates interested in CLS sponsorship and support for submission of application for fellowship with several fellowship granting organizations.

Community Legal Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.  CLS, Inc. does not discriminate in the selection of employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.