Description:
Job Summary:We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Staff Attorney to join our legal team. This role requires negotiation skills, legal research capabilities, and the ability to draft legal documents effectively. The Staff Attorney will be responsible for providing legal advice, representing clients, providing referrals to clients, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
The primary role of the Staff Attorney is to assess the legal needs of people living with HIV (PLWHA) and to assist them in remedying these needs through either representation or referral.
Responsibilities:
- Represent clients in the area of general civil litigation including but not limited to:
- landlord/tenant issues, expungement and record sealing, social security & benefits law,
- financial matters, estate planning and advanced care directives
- Establish and maintain relationships with attorneys for the ‘Volunteer Attorney Network' for those cases outside of the scope of in-house representation.
- Facilitate legal education and “know your rights” events for the community.
- Conduct bi-annual legal assessments of clients
- Refer clients to appropriate community resources where appropriate.
- Advocate on behalf of clients to link them to appropriate services in the Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties.
- Coordinate with medical case managers, housing case managers, community agencies, service providers and medical personnel to ensure wrap-around services for clients
- Follow guidelines established by the Ryan White, Part A Office.
- Maintain client/service data information in compliance with HIPAA standards, and complete required reports and documentation.
- Participate in relevant meetings and activities of Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center.
- Attend Ryan White Meetings, Network Meetings and other relevant meeting(s).
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Legal Services.
Legal analysis and assessment; ability to conduct legal research; ability to excel in both team and independent settings; excellent oral, written and listening communication skills; ability to work with diverse groups and across all levels of organizations with a commitment to teamwork; effective public speaking and presentation skills; ability to track and maintain accurate records; knowledge of health, social issues, policy, insurance, and politics; demonstrated experience with goal setting, setting priorities, decision making, critical thinking, and problem solving; detail oriented; track record of reliability, creativity, versatility, and initiative; knowledge and proficient use of Legal Research Databases including Ohio State Bar Association Case Maker, Windows Office (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook) and internet; current Ohio driver's license.
Requirements:
- Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
- License to practice in Ohio (or anticipated license pending bar examination results)
- Demonstrated experience/ interest in public interest and non-profit work
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency in Spanish (written and verbal) preferred.
- 1-3 years of legal practice.
- 1-3 years experience working with people in a non-profit environment.
- Knowledge of HIV issues and sensitivity to needs and concerns of people with HIV/AIDS.
- Work experience in advocacy service, case management, referral services or similar work with the public in a direct service setting.
- Experience working in a non-judgmental and supportive capacity with clients who experience psychiatric disabilities, chemical dependency, and/or life challenging diseases.