Community Partnership and Client Feedback Fellow

National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA)

Community Partnership and Client Feedback Fellow

Salt Lake City, UT
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description

    Who Should Apply?

    We strongly encourage applications from:
    • Former clients of civil legal aid or public defender offices
    • Community advocates with lived experience navigating legal systems
    • Individuals passionate about equity, justice, and systems change
    • Leaders who bring cultural humility, courage, and a commitment to improving
    access to justice

    You must:
    • Be a Client or former Client based upon NLADA’s definition*
    • Be at least 18 years old (no upper age limit)
    • Be legally authorized to work in the United States
    • Be available full-time for 18 months
    • Commit to serving four days per week at a host site + Friday NLADA trainings
    *In the NLADA community, the definition of client includes those who have received either
    civil legal aid or public defense services, and community advocate refers to former clients
    who are now working alongside civil legal aid and public defenders to improve equal
    justice.

    Fellowship Structure
    The Community Partnership and Client Feedback Fellow will be a full-time staff member of
    Utah Legal Services and will work closely with ULS staff and leadership. The Fellow will:
    • Work primarily from the Utah Legal Services office or remotely within Utah
    • Receive day-to-day supervision from Utah Legal Services
    • Participate in weekly professional development trainings and cohort sessions
    hosted by NLADA
    • Collaborate with other Fellows across the country as part of NLADA’s national
    fellowship cohort

  • Qualifications

    Qualifications

    You must:
    • Be a Client or former Client based upon NLADA’s definition*
    • Be at least 18 years old (no upper age limit)
    • Be legally authorized to work in the United States
    • Be available full-time for 18 months
    • Commit to serving four days per week at a host site + Friday NLADA trainings
    *In the NLADA community, the definition of client includes those who have received either
    civil legal aid or public defense services, and community advocate refers to former clients
    who are now working alongside civil legal aid and public defenders to improve equal
    justice.

    Additional Information

    PROJECT GOAL
    ULS identified a need for a holistic approach to legal services that integrates client voices
    and coordinates services with community partners across the state. In 2026, ULS started a
    partner referral program by entering into agreements with other nonprofit organizations
    whereby ULS shares their case acceptance guidelines with nonprofit organizations, and
    nonprofit partners triage to refer eligible people to ULS.

    The goals of this project include building a process to incorporate case managers into ULS
    and to have partners share potential client information with ULS, while honoring
    confidentiality and with informed consent, to make the process easier and less traumatic
    for people needing help.
    You must:
    • Be a Client or former Client based upon NLADA’s definition*
    • Be at least 18 years old (no upper age limit)
    • Be legally authorized to work in the United States
    • Be available full-time for 18 months
    • Commit to serving four days per week at a host site + Friday NLADA trainings
    *In the NLADA community, the definition of client includes those who have received either
    civil legal aid or public defense services, and community advocate refers to former clients
    who are now working alongside civil legal aid and public defenders to improve equal
    justice.

    REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION: Please upload your resume along with your
    answers to the following questions:

    Please respond to the following prompts (300–500 words each unless otherwise noted):
    A. Lived Experience & Motivation
    Please describe your lived experience with civil legal aid, public defense services or
    navigating a system that created barriers to justice. In what ways did this experience shape
    your desire to improve access to justice?

    B. Community Voice & Systems Change
    What does it mean to you to center community voice in legal systems?
    Provide an example of how you have elevated the voice of others or advocated for change.

    C. Equity & Justice
    NLADA is committed to expanding equitable access to justice.
    How do you define equity? How would you bring an equity-centered approach to this
    fellowship?

    D. Collaboration & Professional Growth
    This fellowship includes structured supervision, collaboration with legal professionals, and
    participation in a national cohort.
    • What strengths would you bring to this environment?
    • What skills or knowledge do you hope to develop over the 18 months?

    Salary Information: The Fellow salary is $70,000 over 18 months and will be paid
    biweekly by Utah Legal Services. The Fellow will be an employee of Utah Legal
    Services and will receive compensation and employment benefits through ULS in
    accordance with its employment policies.
    Please note: Although this fellowship is part of NLADA’s national Client & Community
    Advocacy Fellowship program, the selected Fellow will be employed by and work for Utah
    Legal Services, not NLADA.

    Physical Demands: Constantly stationary; occasionally requires moving about the office
    and frequently to attend meetings. Constantly operates a computer and other office
    productivity machinery. Frequently communicates and exchanges information. Seldom
    requires lifting of up to 10 pounds.

    NLADA is committed to fair employment practices and equal employment opportunity
    regardless of age, ancestry, citizenship, color, creed, ethnicity, family-care status, gender
    identity (including characteristics and/or expression), marital status, matriculation at a
    college, medical condition (including HIV/AIDS), chronic illness, pregnancy, childbirth (or
    other related medical conditions), membership in a labor union or union activities covered
    by the Act, mental disability, national origin, personal appearance, height and weight,
    physical disability, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran
    status.

    NLADA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable
    accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable
    accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to
    perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of
    employment, please contact Human Resources