About CFLS

Since 1969, Community Family Life Services (CFLS) has provided families with the tools and resources needed to move beyond poverty and homelessness. CFLS supports survivors of domestic violence and women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into
permanent self-sufficiency.

The CFLS Legal Department provides accessible, and compassion-based legal assistance to reentry and justice-affected women. Our office addresses a broad array of legal challenges faced by women who are exiting, or affected by, the carceral system by providing direct services in the form of legal advice, brief legal services, and representation.

Project Areas

Our work is focused on identifying and removing legal barriers faced by our clients when they enter back into the community. Ensuring that clients have an accessible legal resource is key to reducing recidivism and maintaining successful and sustainable returns. We are interested in projects that will expand our barrier-reducing support for our clients. Example areas of interest include:

• Supporting clients as they navigate issues related to parole, probation and supervised release such as:
  • Revocation hearings
  • Filing motions
  • Petitioning for record sealing

We are open to applicants suggesting projects as well.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time position with a hybrid work environment. The fellow would be expected to have office hours as well as working remotely some days. This position comes with a starting salary of $70,000 and offers medical and dental benefit plans as well as vacation and sick time. There is also a 401k plan with
employer match after one year.

To Apply

Candidates should submit (1) a resume (2) cover letter with an outline of the projects you are interested in proposing (3) a writing sample of 5-8 pages (4) a list of 3 references to rschwemle@cflsdc.org. Please indicate “Fellowship Application” in the subject line. You may also submit any questions you have to this email as well.

QUALIFICATIONS

• JD anticipated by May 2023, recent law graduate, or experienced attorney seeking to make a career change to public interest work.
• An interest in or Experience working with re-entry or justice affected women, or other vulnerable individuals, including victims of domestic abuse and/or victims of trauma.
• Knowledge of criminal law, probation, parole, and or supervised release including former employment and/or internships, is a plus.
• Fluency in oral and written English