The Office of Public Guardian (OPG) is a private, mission driven, non-profit corporation dedicated to providing guardianship and advocacy services to legally incapacitated adults, primarily due to developmental disabilities, mental illness, dementia or traumatic brain injury. The organization is unique and the work is both challenging as well as personally and professionally rewarding. Every day, OPG’s dedicated staff makes a difference in the lives of some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

OPG’s legal services team supports OPG’s mission of protecting the legal and human rights as well as the civil liberties of over 1100 Granite Staters by representing the organization and its staff throughout the state. OPG Staff Attorneys work alongside guardians, fiduciary specialists, and estate and trust managers in a collegial environment conveniently located in the South End of Concord. OPG Staff Attorneys routinely attend court hearings statewide as well as hearings at New Hampshire Hospital, and draft simple and complex pleadings. Staff Attorneys are a valuable resource for staff grappling with challenging fact patterns, financial arrangements and risk management.

The ideal candidate is experienced in the areas of guardianships, trusts and estates, state and federal benefits, and landlord/tenant law and possesses excellent oral and written communication skills.

Total compensation is competitive and hybrid work schedules are possible.

Please submit resume and detailed cover letter to be considered for the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• Active member in good standing of the NH Bar Association
• 5-7 years legal experience in guardianship, public benefits, civil rights or working with individuals with diminished capacity
• 3-5 years effectively leading and managing people
• Valid driver’s license and requisite auto insurance coverage

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Assists with recruiting, hiring, and training new staff in the department as needed.
• Oversees the daily workflow of the department.
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.
• Involved with discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.

Duties/Responsibilities:·

• Drafts motions and petitions and represents OPG in courts throughout New Hampshire including at the courtroom in New Hampshire Hospital in matters related to motions for admission to facilities, motions to terminate guardianship filed by OPG or client, motions for expansion of guardian authority, motions to sell/liquidate assets, motions to establish special needs trusts, petitions to pay debts and dispose of deceased client’s estate, motions to consent to electroconvulsive therapy, sterilization, psychosurgery, or experimental treatment and motions to transfer guardianships into and out of the State.
• Provides counsel and advice to OPG staff on work related legal questions
• In collaboration with the Property Manager, reviews real property listing agreements, purchase & sales agreements, and related closing documentation and collaborates with real estate agents, mortgage companies, and title preparers to remove barriers to closings.
• Signs real estate closing documents and attends closings as needed.
• Reviews and approves financial affidavits and requests to pay court appointed counsel fees
• Reviews and approves estate inventories
• Manages termination of trusts and distribution to beneficiaries
• Provides periodic training to staff as directed or requested by leadership team
• Develops organization policies and positions on legal matters
• Researches, anticipates and guards the organization against legal risks
• Serves as an engaged member of legal team

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Commitment to improving the lives of those experiencing Mental Illness, Developmental or Cognitive Disabilities, Dementia, and/or Acquired Brain Injuries.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and high EQ
• Sound judgment, analytical ability and strong attention to detail
• Fundamental understanding of guardianship law, conservatorships, trusts and estates
• Knowledge of state and federal public benefits such as Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security benefits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP fka Food Stamps), and the appeals process when benefits are denied or terminated
• Excellent legal research to inform persuasive motions and legal briefs
• Ability to prioritize and delegate as appropriate and meet multiple and competing deadlines daily/weekly
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Ability to apply and follow the rules of evidence, court rules, state law and case law
• Excellent and creative problem solving skills
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s client management system and other tools.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Concord, NH 03301: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person