Description:

Description:
About Swords to Plowshares
Founded in 1974, Swords to Plowshares is a community-based not-for-profit organization that provides counseling and case management, employment and training, housing, and legal assistance to veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. We promote and protect the rights of veterans through advocacy, public education, and partnerships with local, state, and national entities. Believing that war causes wounds and suffering that last beyond the battlefield, our mission is to support veterans as they navigate the challenges of post-military life, and to prevent and end veteran homelessness through wrap-around care and informed advocacy. To learn more about Swords to Plowshares, please visit our website at www.swords-to-plowshares.org.

The Legal Services Unit at Swords to Plowshares provides legal assistance and representation to the low-income and unhoused veteran population of the Bay Area. In addition, we address systemic causes of our clients' inability to access benefits and relief through policy efforts and impact litigation. We practice federal administrative law before the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, and we prioritize serving clients who are unhoused, experiencing PTSD and other mental health conditions, and those with less than honorable discharges.

Job Title: Staff Attorney

Location: 1060 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Schedule: Monday through Friday; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Reporting Type: Hybrid – 2 in person days per week

Employment Type: Full-time and Exempt

Salary Range: $78,000 - $90,000 per year depending on experience

0-1 years: $78,000

2-3 years: $84,000

4-5 years: $90,000

All applications must be submitted with a cover letter. If you are unable to attach it in the application, please email it to Olivia.cole@stp-sf.org. Any application not including or followed by a Cover Letter will not be considered.

Summary:
Swords to Plowshares invites applications for a full-time Staff Attorney to join our Legal Services Unit. The Staff Attorney will provide legal assistance to veterans, including initial interviewing, giving brief advice and counsel, and providing full-scope representation to clients before the Department of Veterans Affairs, Military Discharge Review Boards, and Boards for Correction of Military Records.

Responsibilities:

Provide brief legal advice and case assessment as well as full-scope representation to veterans in need of legal assistance with VA benefits claims and military discharge upgrades
Review and develop evidence, including military records, medical & mental health records, court-martial transcripts, witness statements, and/or non-governmental documents, to assist in case evaluation, preparation, and representation
Conduct legal research and draft legal briefs
Represent clients at hearings before the VA Regional Office, the Board of Veterans Appeals, and Department of Defense Discharge Review Boards
Coordinate within legal team on case strategies
Perform in-depth research and prepare written materials, such as articles and training materials, relating to veterans law
Submit reports, attend meetings, and perform administrative tasks, as required
Work with other program providers to integrate services within Swords to Plowshares' continuum of care
Perform other duties as required by Supervising Attorney, Deputy Legal Director, and Legal Director
Employee must be able to perform all essential job requirements and responsibilities within what would be considered reasonable accommodation

Desired Qualifications:
Experience:

Experience with or sensitivity to the needs of clients who are unhoused, trauma survivors, experience mental health symptoms, and/or live with disabilities
Familiarity with veteran issues and public benefits advocacy is preferred

Required Education:

Juris doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
Active bar membership in the United States. (California bar membership is not required)

Skills:

Strong written and oral communication skills
Excellent legal research and writing skills
Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment
Proficient in using technology, such as Microsoft Word and case management software
Ability to effectively communicate in English with staff, clients, and external partners and stakeholders.
Sound professional judgment
Administratively self-sufficient
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and remain calm under pressure
Commitment to the mission of Swords to Plowshares
Performing some tasks outside the office, such as attendance at legal clinics, meetings, and hearings