Innovative Springfield Program Creates Pathways into Legal Careers

SPRINGFIELD — Leap into Law, a new workforce development initiative designed to expand access to careers in the legal field, officially launched in Springfield and is currently underway with its first cohort of 15 participants. The program supports residents seeking stable, living-wage career opportunities within the legal services sector.

The initiative, funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development and the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, is led by Springfield WORKS, a workforce development effort of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council. Springfield WORKS serves as a regional convener, bringing together employers, educators, and community organizations to build career pathways, support worker advancement, and pilot workforce solutions that strengthen economic mobility across Western Mass.

Developed in partnership with Katie Manzi McDonough, partner at the law firm Hinckley Allen, Leap into Law responds directly to the growing demand for entry-level and early-career legal talent. The program creates a clear and accessible pathway into the legal field through structured training and direct employer engagement.

Leap into Law prepares participants for in-demand legal support roles while helping employers build a stronger, more diverse talent pipeline. Program components include contextual training and hands-on skill development; digital literacy instruction; professional readiness and wraparound support; exposure to legal career pathways, including legal assistant and paralegal roles; employer engagement opportunities, including experiential activities and job shadowing; and support for notary public applications.

“Leap into Law is about creating real access, not just awareness, to legal careers that offer stability, growth, and long-term economic mobility,” said Anne Shecrallah Kandilis, director of Springfield WORKS. “This program bridges talent and opportunity while responding directly to employer needs in our region.”

The current cohort includes 15 participants who are actively engaged in training at the Roderick J. Ireland Courthouse, providing an immersive learning environment within the legal system. Participants receive individualized support throughout the program to ensure readiness for employment and long-term career success.

Leap into Law is made possible through partnerships with Springfield WORKS, Hinckley Allen, the Hampden County Bar Assoc., Tech Foundry, the Massachusetts trial courts, and many other partners in the Greater Springfield area. This collaborative approach reflects a shared commitment to workforce development and economic mobility.

“The legal field offers a wide range of meaningful and sustainable career paths, and employers in our community need strong candidates to fill essential administrative roles to support their work,” said Manzi McDonough, who was born and raised in Western Mass. “Leap into Law removes barriers by creating direct connections between participants and employers, opening the door to a career in the law with real opportunity for growth and stability right here in the Greater Springfield area.”

Partnership opportunities remain available, including hosting interns, providing training support, interviewing candidates for part-time or full-time positions, and contributing to program expansion.