Description:
Job Overview:This full-time attorney position provides representation, education and advocacy for older low-income or vulnerable tenants who are facing eviction, habitability issues, illegal lockouts, fair housing and other landlord/tenant issues. Experience in a legal services office and in aging and/or poverty law, working with senior citizens, minority, low-income and/or Limited English Proficient communities are all important foundations for this position, which is based in center city Philadelphia.
This position requires a highly professional, organized, energetic, flexible, confident, and culturally sensitive attorney to provide direct legal services to seniors. Job responsibilities include providing client intake and direct client services in and out of court, including civil representation, litigation and legal counseling in-person and by telephone. Courtroom appearances and experience are required. The attorney will also participate in community education, professional training and advocacy initiatives, attend staff and coalition meetings, and participate in special projects with and as a representative of the An Organization Protecting the Rights of Older Pennsylvanians team.
All members of the An Organization Protecting the Rights of Older Pennsylvanians team participate in resource development and fundraising initiatives, events, writing, and reporting, as we foster a culture of philanthropy that supports our work for older people.
Reports to: Director, Tenant Rights
Work Setting: Hybrid, currently minimum 2 days per week in-office requirement. Subject to increase.
Hours of Work: 9AM - 5PM
Responsibilities include:
- Client Representation
- Provide direct representation in tenant rights
- Provide client advice, information and/or referrals where direct representation will not be provided in cases within An Organization Protecting the Rights of Older Pennsylvanians priorities.
- Outreach/Community Relations
- Create professional training, community education forums on urgent legal needs. Present the information in affected neighborhoods and other
- Research and develop training materials on current legal topics focused on
- Systems Advocacy
- Participate as An Organization Protecting the Rights of Older Pennsylvanians the Philadelphia Bar Association, the judiciary, and/or other partners, and collaborate with legal service agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Advocate with appropriate representatives of government, quasi-government and community development to create systemic and law reform for seniors in relevant
- Additional Responsibilities:
- Participate in staff and team meetings, organizational events and other
- Assist with reporting, data collection and funding
- Represent An Organization Protecting the Rights of Older Pennsylvanians at committee and coalition meetings, community events and other occurrences as needed.
Qualifications:
Must be an active member of the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing.
At least two (2) years of civil litigation experience, preferably with Landlord/Tenant experience. Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Commitment to serving vulnerable and diverse communities required.
Ability to work well as a team and individually, excellent interpersonal and computer skills, and the highest degree of professionalism are required.