Legal Counsel

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.

Legal Counsel

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.

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 Environment

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 View email address on click.appcast.io. Otherwise, all external applications should be submitted via CEA's Internal Career page at