What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Fellow - Multiple Office Locations Available position at North Penn Legal Services?
Legal Fellow – Martin Luther King Jr. Legal Fellowship
Full-Time | 35 Hours per Week | Pittston, PA (Multiple NPLS Locations Considered)
Location: This position is posted under the Pittston, PA office; however, candidates may be considered for placement at other North Penn Legal Services office locations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania based on organizational needs and the candidate’s preferred location.
Build Your Legal Career While Expanding Access to Justice
North Penn Legal Services (NPLS) is seeking a Legal Fellow to join our team through the Martin Luther King Jr. Legal Fellowship Program. This fellowship provides recent law graduates and newly admitted attorneys with the opportunity to develop their legal skills through hands-on experience, meaningful client representation, and mentorship from experienced public interest attorneys.
As a Legal Fellow, you will represent low-income individuals and families throughout Northeast Pennsylvania while building experience in litigation, legal research, advocacy, negotiation, and client counseling. This position is an excellent opportunity for a law graduate preparing for the Pennsylvania Bar Examination or a newly admitted Pennsylvania attorney who is interested in a career in public interest law.
The Legal Fellow will primarily focus on housing-related matters, including eviction defense, housing conditions, and habitability issues, as well as employment-related legal matters. The fellowship is expected to last up to two years, subject to available funding and organizational needs.
Why Join North Penn Legal Services?
As a Legal Fellow, you will have the opportunity to:
- Gain meaningful experience representing clients and advocating for individuals and families in need
- Develop litigation, courtroom, legal writing, negotiation, and client counseling skills
- Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced legal aid attorneys
- Participate in professional development, statewide trainings, and continuing legal education opportunities
- Build a foundation for a successful public interest legal career
- Access hybrid work opportunities in accordance with NPLS policies following successful onboarding and eligibility requirements
- Explore student loan repayment assistance opportunities through qualifying programs, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or their designee, the Legal Fellow will:
- Interview clients and evaluate legal issues
- Conduct legal research and prepare legal documents, including pleadings, motions, memoranda, and correspondence
- Assist with court proceedings, hearings, negotiations, and other advocacy efforts
- Prepare case files, exhibits, discovery materials, and litigation-related documents
- Participate in community outreach and legal education initiatives
- Collaborate with attorneys and staff to provide effective legal services to eligible clients
- Maintain accurate case records, timekeeping, and compliance with organizational procedures
Law graduates awaiting admission to the Pennsylvania Bar may perform duties permitted under applicable law graduate or limited practice rules while under attorney supervision. Fellows admitted to practice in Pennsylvania may assume additional responsibilities consistent with their licensure.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
- Admission to practice law in Pennsylvania or eligibility and scheduled registration to sit for the Pennsylvania Bar Examination
- Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced legal environment
- Demonstrated interest in public interest law and serving low-income or underserved communities
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior legal internship, law clinic, judicial clerkship, volunteer, or public service experience
- Experience working with vulnerable or underserved populations
- Spanish language proficiency or other bilingual skills
About North Penn Legal Services
North Penn Legal Services is a nonprofit civil legal aid organization serving 20 counties throughout Northeast Pennsylvania through nine regional offices. NPLS provides professional legal representation, advocacy, and community legal education to individuals and families who cannot otherwise afford legal assistance.
Compensation & Benefits
The Legal Fellow position offers a salary range of $58,965–$66,165 annually, commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid vacation, sick leave, personal leave, and holidays
- Professional development and continuing legal education opportunities
- Student loan repayment assistance and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for qualified employees
- Hybrid work opportunities for eligible employees in accordance with NPLS policy
How to Apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and a brief statement describing your interest in public interest law, how your experience aligns with NPLS’s mission, and how this fellowship supports your professional goals.
Applications should be submitted to: resumes@northpennlegal.org
Reference: Pittston Legal Fellow – July 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
North Penn Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $58,965.00 - $66,165.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Salary : $58,965 - $66,165