Charleston Legal Access - Executive Director

thredpartners is working with the Search Committee of the Charleston Legal Access Board of Directors to fill the Executive Director role. If you are interested in this role and want to learn more, please email us at thredpartners@thredpartners.com.

About Charleston Legal Access

Charleston Legal Access (CLA) is South Carolina’s first nonprofit, sliding-scale law firm. We make legal services affordable for people who don’t qualify for free legal aid but can’t afford a private attorney. Since 2016, CLA has helped more than 1,500 clients resolve family, housing, immigration, and other civil legal issues—preserving over $3 million in assets and helping families stay safe and stable.

We believe access to justice should never depend on income. Our team of eight—including a Development Director, Senior Staff Attorney, two (2) staff attorneys, an Equal Justice Works Housing Fellow, an Intake and Outreach Coordinator, and a Legal Assistant—works daily to close the “justice gap” and strengthen community stability across the Lowcountry. CLA is currently expanding its impact, exploring opportunities to grow its model statewide and increase immigration assistance for the region’s diverse communities.

The Opportunity

CLA seeks a mission-driven, relationship-oriented Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. This is an exciting opportunity for a compassionate, community-minded leader to guide a talented team, nurture partnerships, and expand access to affordable legal help.

If you believe justice strengthens communities and enjoy leading through collaboration and purpose, we’d love to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership that advances CLA’s mission.
• Supervise staff of eight, including the Development Director, Senior Staff Attorney, two (2) staff attorneys, an Equal Justice Works Housing Fellow, an Intake and Outreach Coordinator, and a Legal Assistant.
• Oversee programs, operations, and finances (annual budget of $750K–$1M).
• Lead fundraising and donor engagement efforts, including grants and campaigns.
• Strengthen partnerships with law firms, community organizations, and funders.
• Partner with the Board on strategy, governance, and sustainability.

Qualifications

To Apply

Send your resume and cover letter to thredpartners@thredpartners.com with “CLA Executive Director Search” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

To view the full position description, visit CLA Executive Director 2025

Charleston Legal Access is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.