Executive Director

CLS Executive Director Page 1 of 3

Connecticut Legal Services (CLS) seeks an Executive Director to lead this civil legal aid organization as it begins its next chapter. The organization has a staff of 72 (including 50 attorneys), seven offices, and an annual budget of approximately $14 million. This is an exciting opportunity for a strong leader with vision and creativity to build on CLS’s proud 48-year history and to expand and strengthen access to justice, empower communities, and facilitate systemic change in Connecticut.

Background Connecticut Legal Services provides access to justice and protects critical civil legal rights of low-income individuals and families through representation, advice, collaboration, systemic advocacy and education.

As the largest legal aid agency in Connecticut, CLS serves 58% of Connecticut’s poverty population living in 122 communities, excluding the Greater Hartford and New Haven areas. CLS has a long history of providing critical legal services and acts as a community resource to resolve some of the most pressing challenges facing low-income Connecticut residents.

CLS provides legal services that are vitally important to its clients. CLS’s legal work encompasses, among other things, family law, housing, public benefits, elder law, children’s law, assistance to people with intellectual disabilities, immigration law, and employment law. In addition to providing individual legal representation and counseling for clients, CLS does broad impact work that benefits low-income individuals through advocacy, class action litigation, legal self-help materials, community outreach and education, and working with coalitions to pursue common goals.

CLS has been a leader in the state in recognizing and addressing systemic problems affecting low-income residents.

To effectuate its work, CLS operates six full-service offices in Stamford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, New Britain, New London, Willimantic, and the administrative office in Middletown.

Why Connecticut Legal Services?

CLS has an excellent reputation and strong network of partnerships and connections throughout the region with a track record of innovation and responsiveness to community needs.

The Executive Director will work with experienced CLS staff and management, a committed Board of Directors, and supportive community advocates, private lawyers, government agencies, and donors.

CLS provides a diverse range of vital services to more than 3,500 clients annually, as well as legislative and administrative policy advocacy, representation in class action litigation and other important services as described above. An estimated 200,000 people are eligible for legal services in CLS’s footprint.

CLS has a diverse funding base. It does not receive funding from the Legal Services Corporation.

Connecticut boasts stunning New England scenery, excellent schools, and a perfect blend of urban and coastal living, all just a short trip from NYC and Boston.

CLS Executive Director Page 2 of 3

The state is home to several Fortune 500 and major private companies against the backdrop of numerous charming small towns. This unique blend of economic strength and local character fosters a thriving environment for growth and opportunity. As Connecticut’s economy grows, lower-income residents and a rising immigrant population face increasing challenges—creating unique opportunities for legal aid leadership to make a meaningful impact.

Further, Connecticut also has a strong philanthropic community and a well-connected nonprofit sector that work collaboratively to support impactful, mission-driven efforts.

Among CLS’s offices, Middletown is known for its walkable city center filled with diverse restaurants, local shops, and year-round arts and entertainment. Middletown is also home to Wesleyan University, bringing cultural richness, intellectual vitality, and a strong sense of community.

• Maintain and expand the financial support necessary to carry out the organization’s activities, including individual donor, corporate and foundation support;
• Serve as an effective…