Attorney

Attorney (811727)

Work Location-12B Quakerbridge Plaza, Hamilton NJ 08619

Duration- 9 months Contract

Pay Rate- $79.88/hr on W2 without benefits

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Lunch break-half hour (unpaid)

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is seeking a qualified attorney to provide legal services and support for matters involving incapacitated adults under the guardianship of the Office of the Public Guardian. Under the direction of a Supervising Attorney, the Temporary Attorney will manage an assigned caseload and provide legal advice, advocacy, research, and representation concerning the rights, interests, welfare, and assets of OPG clients.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in elder law and guardianship law, with a strong understanding of the legal issues affecting incapacitated adults and vulnerable populations. The candidate should be comfortable handling complex legal matters, working independently, appearing in court, and collaborating with multidisciplinary professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

· Manage an assigned caseload of OPG clients and address legal matters arising during the administration of their guardianships.

· Review guardianship referrals and case information, identify legal issues, and recommend appropriate legal action.

· Draft and review pleadings, motions, certifications, proposed orders, legal correspondence, memoranda, and other legal documents.

· Appear before the Superior Court of New Jersey in guardianship and related proceedings.

· Provide legal guidance to OPG care managers, financial managers, investigators, and other staff regarding issues affecting OPG clients.

· Advise staff and management concerning guardianship administration, fiduciary responsibilities, client rights, property and financial matters, and other legal issues.

· Represent and advocate for OPG clients in administrative hearings and appeals involving Medicaid, Social Security, SSI, Medicare, and other government benefits.

· Assist with civil, family, probate, estate, and other legal matters affecting OPG clients, including property sales, divorce, separation, child support, personal injury claims, contracts, liabilities, and related proceedings.

· Address legal matters involving family members, interested parties, powers of attorney, alleged conflicts of interest, and challenges to OPG's authority or actions.

· Assist with the preparation, review, filing, and defense of First and Final Accountings and other fiduciary matters associated with the administration and termination of guardianships.

· Conduct legal research and prepare written legal analyses regarding guardianship, elder law, fiduciary, statutory, regulatory, and case-specific issues.

· Assist in matters involving suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, fraud, or misappropriation of client assets, including coordination with OPG investigators, the Financial Abuse and Advocacy Specialist Team, the Office of the Attorney General, law enforcement, and other agencies.

· Assist OPG attorneys and management with litigation, appeals, administrative proceedings, and other legal matters involving the Office's statutory and fiduciary responsibilities.

· Assist in the development and review of OPG policies and procedures relating to guardianship and the protection of incapacitated and vulnerable adults.

· Maintain accurate legal case records and ensure timely completion of court filings, legal documents, and case-related assignments.

· Perform other related legal duties and special assignments as directed by the Supervising Attorney.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

· Active license to practice law in the State of New Jersey and in good standing.

· Demonstrated professional experience in elder law and guardianship law.

· Experience representing or advocating for incapacitated adults, older adults, individuals with disabilities, or other vulnerable populations.

· Knowledge of New Jersey guardianship statutes, court rules, and applicable case law.

· Experience preparing legal pleadings, motions, certifications, legal memoranda, and other legal documents.

· Ability to appear before the Superior Court of New Jersey.

· Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.

· Ability to manage multiple cases, competing deadlines, and complex legal issues with minimal supervision.

· Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, care managers, financial staff, investigators, governmental agencies, courts, and other professionals.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in:

· New Jersey guardianship proceedings;

· Elder law and representation of incapacitated adults;

· Medicaid, SSI, Social Security, Medicare, and other public benefits;

· Probate and estate administration;

· Fiduciary accountings;

· Financial exploitation, abuse, or neglect of vulnerable adults;

· Civil litigation involving guardianships or incapacitated persons; and

· Administrative hearings and appeals.