Staff Attorney Employment/Public Benefits

 

 

Neighborhood Legal Services is a non-profit organization that secures justice and resolves
fundamental legal problems for those who are low-income and vulnerable in Allegheny, Beaver,
Butler, and Lawrence Counties by providing high-quality legal services and community legal

education. Founded in 1966, NLS has provided civil legal aid to more than 1.2 million of our low-income neighbors in need of legal assistance .

 

The Neighborhood Legal Services staff attorneys are to provide the highest quality of legal

representation and handle all functions related to case work in a high-volume, general law
practice. Legal representation may include providing advice, limited services, referral, and/or
extended representation.

JOB SUMMARY:
In this role the staff attorney will provide legal representation and address legal issues related
to Employment Law matters (e.g., unemployment compensation appeals, wage claims,
workplace discrimination/employee rights, criminal record clearing, driver’s license restoration)
and public benefits (including, securing, enhancing and/or continuing benefits under various
programs, e.g., SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP, Veterans Benefits, etc.). The person holding this
position will be part of a team of lawyers within the Economic Security Unit who practice in
similar areas that seek to achieve or preserve financial security for NLS clients. The attorney
should be organized, detail oriented and thrive in a fast-paced high-volume practice. The legal
areas may change as client needs and funding requirements change.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Screen clients for eligibility and make referrals, as needed;
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients;
• Conduct factual investigation, analysis, and legal research, as needed;
• Develop case theory and strategy for the representation;
• Keep clients informed on an ongoing basis and provide counsel about their options;
• Prepare pleadings, including but not limited to, complaints, answers, memoranda of
law, briefs as may be needed;
• Prepare cases and represent clients in negotiations, hearings, trials, and appeals;
• Monitor client files and close files in a timely manner as required by program policy;
• Enter time in a timely manner pursuant to program policy;
• Maintain case files in accordance with NLSA standards.
• Provide outreach to our communities and participate in professional organizations.
• Stay current on matters of the law

 

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
• Strong computer knowledge and skills. Strong in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong organizational skills and attention to details.
• Excellent interpersonal and client service skills.
• Must have efficient transportation to locations other than the NLSA office as needed for
work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania or admitted in another jurisdiction and eligible for
admission in Pennsylvania.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

 

NEIGHBORHOOD LEGAL SERVICES BENEFITS INCLUDE:
•  NLS 100% paid healthcare through Highmark that includes prescription and dental
coverage
•  NLS 100% paid Life/ADD, Long-term Disability, Short-term Disability Insurance
•  NLS paid Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
•  Contributions to a 403b and/or Roth 403b after one-year of service (optional)
•  Options that you may choose to purchase or contribute to include:
     Vision Insurance
     FSA – Medical Account
     FSA - Dependent Care Account
     Qualified Transportation Election

Paid Time Off: (pro-rated first year)
     15 vacation days
     14 sick days
     3 Personal Days
     16 Holidays

NLSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.