The posting
Company Description
Apply for NLADA’s inaugural Client & Community Advocacy Fellowship. Be a part of
NLADA’s first cohort working around the country to improve client outcomes and
engagement.
This position is the Community Partnership and Client Feedback Fellow at Utah Legal
Services.
Employment Status: The selected Fellow will be hired and employed directly by Utah
Legal Services (ULS). While the Fellow will participate in NLADA’s national Client &
Community Advocacy Fellowship cohort and receive training and support from NLADA, the
Fellow is not an employee of NLADA. The Fellow will be supervised by and work as a
member of the Utah Legal Services team.
NLADA is America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in
delivering legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. We provide advocacy,
guidance, information, training, and technical assistance for members of the equal justice
community, especially those working in public defense and civil legal aid. For more than a
century, we have connected and supported people across the country committed to
justice. Because the quality of justice in America should not depend on how much money a
person has, NLADA leads a broad network of advocates on the frontlines to advance justice
and expand opportunity for all by promoting excellence in delivering legal services for
people who cannot afford counsel. Our strategy toward equal justice is focused on equity
and centering the voices of directly impacted communities.
The chosen Fellow will serve at Utah Legal Services. Utah Legal Service’s mission is to
provide high-quality civil legal aid without cost to people who are unable to afford legal
representation or are facing disadvantages, ensuring meaningful access to justice, and
promoting education, stability, safety, and protection.
Main office located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Qualified candidates from across the state of
Utah will be considered.
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
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
