Community Legal Services

Community Legal Services is one of the nation’s most successful civil legal services programs, focusing on individual representation and systemic and law reform advocacy.

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

As a large, urban program in the nation’s 5th largest city, CLS offers substantial opportunities for staff to accept the exciting challenge of delivering high-quality legal services to a diverse client population. Our advocacy includes direct representation as well as policy advocacy, community education, and impact litigation. CLS provides excellent training and professional growth for all staff because of the richness of the advocacy that is provided to our clients.

Annually CLS serves more than 9.100 eligible clients, providing assistance on diverse and overlapping civil legal problems. Our 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.

CLS staff serve as a catalyst to change for our clients in low-income communities throughout Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and often nationally. A career with CLS is an exciting, enriching and challenging experience where you will be able to ensure low-income individuals and families obtain equal access to justice and make systemic change.

To see our open employment, internship, and fellowship opportunities, visit http://clsphila.org/about-cls/careers.