Description

About Us:
As Connecticut’s largest and strongest union of certified educators, Connecticut Education
Association (CEA) makes the biggest difference in the lives of our teachers, the success of all
students, and the quality of the public education. We empower teachers so that they can excel at
educating all students. CEA champions competitive salaries and benefits, well-resourced
classrooms, and safe, healthy schools to attract and retain the best teachers. We protect the rights
of educators with expert representation.

The Legal Counsel provides comprehensive legal advice and direct support to the Association’s
leadership, staff, and local affiliates with a focus on a full range of labor and employment
matters, including protecting the union’s rights, advancing member interests, and ensuring
compliance with labor laws. Work is performed independently under the general direction of the
General Counsel.

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists the General Counsel as directed in the administration of the Association's legal
  services program for individual members and local affiliates. Coordinate legal activities
  with appropriate outside counsel as necessary.
• Provides advice and representation to individuals and local affiliates in labor and
  employment-related matters. Representation includes various proceedings in state and
  federal courts; and hearings before various administrative agencies such as the State
  Board of Labor Relations, the Freedom of Information Commission, the Connecticut
  Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the Workers’ Compensation
  Commission, the Unemployment Compensation Review Board, etc. and hearings
  regarding statutory tenure termination before Impartial Hearing Officers. Analyzes and
  drafts proposed legislation, testifies and lobbies state legislature as required.
• Provides guidance, direction, training and supervision of the paralegal staff;
  Initiates and develops strategies in collaboration with other department
  managers/directors;
• Serves as staff liaison to CEA commissions/committees as assigned;
  Works at the direction of the General Counsel to provide ongoing training to CEA
  Governance, Staff and members through presentations, Law Days and
  Legal Bulletins.
• Performs other appropriate duties as necessary, approved and assigned by the General
  Counsel. 

Education: 

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and current admission to the
  Connecticut Bar, with an active license to practice law in good standing, are required.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of labor and employment law and collective bargaining
  agreements.
• Experience representing clients before state and federal courts, administrative agencies,
  and labor relations boards.
• Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills, including experience drafting legal
  opinions, briefs, motions, and other legal documents.
• Experience developing litigation strategies, evaluating legal risks, and providing practical
  legal guidance on complex employment-related matters.
• Knowledge of Connecticut labor and employment laws, public-sector labor relations, and
  applicable federal statutes and regulations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to
  advise and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple legal matters, prioritize competing deadlines,
  and exercise sound independent judgment.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and supporting the professional development of
  paralegal or legal support staff.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism, discretion, and
  sound ethical judgment.
• Experience working with labor unions, professional associations, educational institutions,
  or other membership-based organizations. 

Core Skills & Competencies: 

• Adaptability & Change Management – Adjusts quickly to changing priorities, manages
  competing demands, and supports smooth transitions during organizational change.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving – Synthesizes complex information, researches and
  evaluates data, identifies issues, and develops effective solutions.
• Communication (Oral & Written) – Speaks and writes clearly, respectfully, and
  persuasively; adapts style to various audiences; demonstrates active listening and
  presentation skills.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Demonstrates knowledge of equal employment
  opportunity (EEO) policies, respects cultural differences, promotes an inclusive and
  harassment-free workplace, and supports diversity through education, collaboration and
  equitable practices.
• Customer/Member Support – Responds promptly to member and affiliate needs;
  manages difficult situations with professionalism; seeks feedback to improve service.
• Dependability & Professionalism – Meets deadlines, follows through on commitments,
  demonstrates integrity, and maintains composure under pressure; follow through on
  commitments.
• Ethics & Integrity – Treats others with respect, builds trust, upholds organizational
  values, and maintains confidentiality.
• Initiative & Innovation – Seeks responsibility, identifies opportunities, develops
  creative solutions, and embraces new approaches.
• Interpersonal & Teamwork – Builds positive relationships, resolves conflicts
  constructively, supports team goals, and contributes to group morale.
• Organizational & Planning – Prioritizes and manages workload effectively, plans for
  resources, and ensures compliance with policies and procedures.
• Productivity & Quality – Produces accurate, timely, and high-quality work; applies
  feedback for continuous improvement; strives for efficiency.
• Safety & Security – Adheres to safety protocols, safeguards organizational systems, and
  maintains secure practices in the workplace. Maintains sound practices to ensure the
  security and integrity of CEA offices, and its email/internet systems.
• Technical & Professional Development – Continuously builds knowledge and
  expertise; pursues training opportunities; shares skills with others.

Reports to: 

• General Counsel 

Physical Demands and Work Envrionment: 
The work is primarily performed in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations will be
provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions (headquartered
in Hartford, CT). 

Pay and Benefits: 
The salary range is $187,540–$204,589, commensurate with experience and in accordance with
CEA policies. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision
coverage; a 401(k) and pension plan; 16 paid holidays; as well as vacation and sick time. 

Equal Opportunity:
CEA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a workplace culture
rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We strongly encourage applications from
individuals who identify as people of color, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and
others from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Individuals with disabilities requiring
accommodations in the application and interview process should contact Latisha Billups at
latishab@cea.org. Otherwise, all external applications should be submitted via CEA's Internal Career page at https://cea.org/jobs/