[INTERNAL ONLY] Colorado Access MLP Attorney (1-year grant funded)

Colorado Legal Services•Denver, CO

17d•Hybrid

About The Position

Colorado Legal Services (CLS) is seeking an experienced attorney with extensive experience in representing low-income litigants in housing and consumer cases to serve as the staff attorney for the Colorado Access Medical-Legal Partnership (“MLP”). This is a one-year, grant-funded position through May 31, 2027. CLS is committed to seeking additional funding to continue the position beyond one year, but employment cannot be guaranteed after May 31, 2027. The Northern Colorado Advocacy Director will oversee the implementation of the Colorado Access MLP and supervise this position. The attorney will provide advice, brief services, and full-service representation to Colorado Access members in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, and Douglas Counties, focusing on preserving housing, and also including consumer and public benefits issues such as eviction defense, housing conditions, debt collection defense, housing-related debt, foreclosure, bankruptcy, and challenging unlawful denials, overpayments, and terminations of public benefits. Hybrid work arrangements will be available. This position will also be responsible for training Colorado Access staff to identify potential legal needs and make referrals to CLS. The attorney will work closely with Colorado Access, the Northern Colorado Advocacy Director, and the Colorado Access/Greeley Paralegal to implement the grant, develop training materials, refine the referral process, and communicate with Colorado Access staff.

Requirements

Valid license to practice law in the state of Colorado
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Attention to detail with strong critical thinking, analytical, and time management skills
A strong commitment to advocacy in the public interest and a passion for social justice
Sensitivity to the legal needs of low-income individuals, seniors, and other vulnerable populations
Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
Extensive experience in representing low-income litigants in housing and consumer cases
Ability to obtain a Colorado license within a few months (if not already licensed)

Nice To Haves

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish

Responsibilities

Represent clients referred by Colorado Access in housing, consumer, and public benefits cases by providing advice, brief services, and full representation.
Assist with intake and assessment of referrals and applicants as needed.
Staff cases with the Northern Colorado Advocacy Director.
Develop, implement, and iterate training for Colorado Access staff.
Work closely with the Northern Colorado Advocacy Director to develop training materials for Colorado Access staff on how to identify legal issues that CLS can help with.
Provide trainings for Colorado Access staff on how to identify legal issues that CLS can help with and make referrals for those cases.
Work with the Northern Colorado Advocacy Director and the Colorado Access/Greeley Paralegal to develop and refine a referral system for Colorado Access and assist with intake and applications as necessary.
Communicate and meet frequently with Colorado Access staff to identify gaps, troubleshoot any issues that arise, and implement solutions to those issues to improve the issue spotting and referral process.
Take on other staff attorney cases and duties as assigned by the Northern Colorado Advocacy Director.
Take CSI Attorney of the Day shifts.
Provide high-quality legal advice, brief services, and full representation to Colorado Access members, in accordance with ethical rules of professional conduct and the standards set forth by Casehandler Standards.
Display patience, professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment for clients, including those with diverse backgrounds, disabilities, and mental health challenges, while providing clear, transparent communication and managing their expectations effectively.
Independently manage an active caseload.
Maintain thorough and up-to-date records.
Work as a member of a legal team, actively participating in regular case staffing as well as office and organization-wide projects focused on education and outreach to client populations.
Consult and co-counsel with other CLS attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.
Achieve and maintain knowledge of consumer, housing, and public benefits law.
Regularly engage in professional development and training opportunities.
Work collaboratively with partner organizations.
Promote a culture that emphasizes trust, mutual respect, equity, inclusion, harmony, work quality, continuous improvement, and excellent customer service.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Handle staff attorney cases as assigned.
Assist with strategic litigation and other tasks as assigned.
Communicate proactively with prior supervisor about capacity to continue work from prior unit as Colorado Access MLP work gradually ramps up.