Vermont Legal Aid
Overview of Organization
Vermont Legal Aid is a non-profit 501(c)(3) law firm established in 1968. We have a staff of 90 who are organized into 11 broad legal projects.
Vermont Legal Aid advocates on behalf of vulnerable Vermonters. Our goal is to address systemic and institutional problems that impact their lives.
We provide free civil (not criminal) legal services for Vermonters, including those living in poverty, with a disability, or over age 60. We also serve anyone who is discriminated against in housing decisions. We also help all who face challenges related to health care insurance or services, and people who need relief from abuse. Last year we represented 6,222 Vermonters.
Mission statement
We strive to:
– advance fairness and justice in the civil legal system
– address the social and economic interests of our clients, and
– confront the underlying causes of poverty, discrimination and inequality.
We work closely with our partner agency, Legal Services Vermont, which manages requests for legal help for both organizations. If we can help, clients are referred to either Vermont Legal Aid or Legal Services Vermont. Clients are also referred to other programs.
Mission Area: Legal/Civil Rights/Advocacy/Crime
Size of Organization: Over $10M
Position Overview
Vermont Legal Aid seeks volunteer members for our Board of Trustees
We presently have two Board of Trustee openings – 1 Attorney Member and 1 Community Member. Preferred candidates have financial or development expertise, but not required. Our main board meets quarterly; subcommittees as needed.
To be eligible for the Attorney Member vacancy, a candidate must be:
1) a legal Vermont resident;
2) admitted to practice law in Vermont (and in good standing);
3) appointed by the Board of Managers of the Vermont Bar Association.
To be eligible for the Community Member vacancy, a candidate must be:
1) a legal Vermont resident;
2) understand the needs of low-income Vermonters; and
3) represent an underserved community, if possible.
To apply to join the VLA Board of Trustees, please send your resume and a statement of interest (including details regarding meeting the above requirements and your reasons for wanting to join the VLA Board of Trustees) to [email protected] by Monday, November 18, 2024.
We encourage applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, and welcome information about how your experience can contribute to serving our diverse client communities. Applicants are encouraged to share in their cover letter how they can further our goals of social justice and individual rights. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a discrimination-and-harassment-free workplace. Please read our commitment to diversity and inclusion: https://www.vtlegalaid.org/about-vla/diversity-inclusion.
Desired Skills: General Board Governance, Nonprofit Financials, Fundraising/Development, Legal, Management/Leadership, Strategy/Business Planning
Additional Information
Current # of Board Members: 8
Carries liability insurance?: Yes
Carries D&O liability insurance?: Yes
Time Expectations: 1-2 hours
Meeting Frequency: Once a quarter
Meeting Location: Remote
Length of Term (in years): 3
Financial contribution required?: No
Service on committee required?: No