Description:
Description:Full-Time Staff Attorney
Background:
The Veterans Law Center (VLC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal assistance to low-income veterans. Our work focuses on helping veterans secure VA compensation benefits for disabilities related to their military service and pursue military discharge upgrades when their separation was unjust or in error. We also assist veterans with other legal issues that are essential to housing stability, including landlord-tenant matters and criminal record clearing.
VLC is seeking a full-time staff attorney to join our team. This position is funded by a two-year grant that aims to provide free legal services to veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Employment beyond the grant term is anticipated but dependent on renewed funding and organizational needs. The staff attorney will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal services to veterans referred to VLC under the grant.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct eligibility screenings and intake interviews with veterans at outreach events
- Provide legal consultations and direct representation in matters involving VA benefit claims, military discharge upgrades, landlord-tenant disputes, and criminal record clearing
- Collect and analyze evidence, review records, develop case strategies, and prepare legal briefs and other supportive advocacy documents
- Negotiate with landlords and opposing parties to resolve disputes and represent veterans in court proceedings and administrative hearings as needed
- Strengthen and expand community partnerships by coordinating and leading legal clinics, know your rights presentations for veterans, and trainings for community partner staff
- Provide supervision and support to legal staff and interns to ensure high-quality legal services
- Collect, interpret, and report case outcome data and other data that demonstrates the success of VLC legal services
Qualifications:
- JD from an accredited law school and admission to the PA Bar required; VA accreditation strongly preferred
- Excellent oral advocacy, case development, and legal writing skills
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining careful attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a diverse population
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and a proactive willingness to support colleagues whenever needed
- Demonstrated ability to provide thoughtful, compassionate, and patient support to veterans living with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and/or experiences of trauma
- Prior experience with veterans or housing law strongly preferred
