Description:
Family Services Incorporated seeks a mission-driven attorney to join our Civil Legal Representation Program serving survivors of domestic violence in Blair County. This position provides direct legal representation to survivors navigating family law, economic justice, and safety-related legal matters, while also contributing to the broader community response to domestic violence.Our work is grounded in a survivor-centered approach that recognizes the complex realities survivors face when navigating the legal system. We seek attorneys who are committed to advancing safety, dignity, and access to justice for survivors and who value collaboration with advocates, community partners, and coordinated response systems. The candidate must be willing to commit to this framework. The Staff Attorney works closely with victim advocates as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Salary range: $64,000-$74,000 depending on experience. This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Primary Function:
Provide legal information, consultation and representation to victims of domestic violence who are program participants of Family Services Incorporated's Victim Services Program through the Civil Legal Representation Program.
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide representation to program participants in civil matters such as family law and economic justice work which will include custody, spousal and child support, divorce, Protection from Abuse Orders, housing, public benefits, and immigration. Representation may include, but not be limited to, interviews, filings, court appearances, trials, and all necessary subsequent litigation such as contempt petitions and appeals.
Responsible for identifying gaps in the judicial system or changes needed to protect victims' rights. Conduct ongoing systems advocacy in Blair County to improve the response to victims in all relevant systems including the community, law enforcement, courts, law profession, and social service organizations.
Coordinate advocacy and intervention services with Victim Services Program staff to ensure a multi-faceted approach to addressing domestic abuse in Blair County and a holistic response to the complex needs of program participants. Identify gaps in the legal and judicial systems that impact survivors and contribute to systems-level advocacy efforts to improve the response to domestic violence within the courts and broader community.
Qualifications:
Must be a graduate of an accredited law school and be licensed and eligible to practice law in Pennsylvania. Must be familiar with a variety of civil/legal concepts, practices, and procedures. Required to obtain mandatory 40 hours of domestic violence training, which will be provided by Family Services. Required to maintain Pennsylvania licensure by completion of required CLE training credits. Must be able to pass a criminal and child abuse clearance upon hire and thereafter annually or as requested. Ability to work independently and efficiently handle multiple tasks. Must be willing to schedule working hours to coincide with the priorities of the law office and project a high level of comfort working with diverse populations. Travel is necessary and access to reliable transportation is essential, including for training and development which may necessitate being out of the area for a short period of time and overnight.
The successful candidate for this position may not maintain a private legal practice while employed in this role.
Benefits include health insurance, 401K/Life; vacation; sick leave and holidays.
Pay: $64,000.00 - $74,000.00 per year
