Description:

Position Overview:
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Inc.

Job Announcement

Supervising Attorney, Veterans Advocacy Project (non-Profit)

Location: Chester City / Delaware County
Schedule: Full-Time
Salary: Starting at $74,500 – Commensurate with Experience

Summary:
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pa (“lasp”) Seeks an Experienced and Mission-Driven Attorney to Manage and Supervise the Provision of Legal Services to Veterans, Particularly Those Experiencing, or At Risk of Experiencing, Homelessness. This Position Leads Lasp's Veterans Advocacy Project (vap) and Ensures the Delivery of High-Quality, Client-Centered, Culturally Competent, Trauma-Informed Legal Services Consistent with Lasp Program Guidelines, the Aba Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services, and The Code of Professional Responsibility.

Lasp's Veterans Advocacy Project Assists Clients with Significant Physical and Mental Health Impairments Resulting from Trauma Experienced During Military Service. Cases Require Substantial Attorney Involvement. Vap Staff Includes Four Attorneys and One Paralegal Serving Four Suburban Philadelphia Counties, as Well as Sixteen Additional Counties in Central and Northern Pennsylvania, Where Clients Are Represented in Va Disability Claims and Discharge Upgrades.

This Is a Full-Time Regional Position Based in Chester City, Delaware County, with Responsibility for Work Throughout the Service Area. Staff Currently Work on A Hybrid Basis. the Successful Candidate Will Be Expected to Perform In-Office Work and Work Remotely as Needed. the Supervising Attorney Will Maintain a Caseload Appropriate to Ensure All Managerial Responsibilities Are Effectively Fulfilled.

Managerial Duties and Responsibilities

Supervise the Activities of The Veterans Advocacy Project, Including Advice, Negotiation, Litigation, and Administrative Advocacy, Consistent with Lasp Priorities and Case Handling Policies.
Ensure Staff Have Accurate, Timely, and Complete Information Regarding Legal Issues Within Their Scope of Responsibility, Including Training in Substantive Law Affecting Individuals and Families Living in Poverty.
Conduct Annual Evaluations and Develop Individual Work Plans Focused on Quality of Work, Caseload Management, Productivity, Community Engagement, and Training Needs.
Conduct Regular Case Review Meetings to Assign Cases, Monitor Status, Address Concerns, and Share Program-Wide Updates.
Attend Monthly Lasp Management Meetings and Provide Updates Regarding Vap Casework, Events, Activities, and Accomplishments.
Collaborate with Finance, Human Resources, and It Staff to Ensure Compliance with Fiscal, Personnel, and Technology Policies and To Identify Innovations that Enhance Service Delivery.
Assist in Completing Monthly and Annual Grant Reports for Dedicated Veterans Grants.
Support the Development Director and Senior Management in Identifying and Applying for Grants and Contracts.
Plan and Oversee Local Community Education Events and Supervise Preparation of Related Materials.
Serve as A Liaison to Community Partners and Local Bar Associations and Assist in Identifying Annual Office Priorities.
Assist the Executive Team in Recruiting, Hiring, Training, Evaluating, and Retaining High-Quality Staff.

Casehandling and Direct Services Duties and Responsibilities

Represent Clients Before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (va), Discharge Review Boards, Boards of Correction for Military/naval Records (bcm/n Rs), the Social Security Administration, and Other Relevant Forums.
Interview Clients, Determine Eligibility, Investigate Facts, and Provide Legal Advice and Counsel.
Collect and Review Military and Medical Records to Develop Effective Case Strategies.
Conduct Legal Research and Interpret Statutes, Regulations, Case Law, and Other Legal Authorities.
Prepare Legal Documents Including Va and Social Security Applications and Appeals.
Develop Case Strategies and Prepare Witnesses for Hearings and Trials.
Represent Clients at Hearings, Trials, Appellate Proceedings, and Before Administrative Agencies.
Review Decisions and Consult with Lasp Management Regarding Potential Appeals.
Participate in Professional and Community Organizations Relevant to Veterans' Advocacy.
Conduct Clinics, Community Education Programs, and Workshops in Collaboration with Social Service and Veterans' Organizations.
Contribute to Lasp-Wide Initiatives, Affinity Groups, and Task Forces.
Develop Knowledge of Community Referral Resources and Assess Client and Community Needs.
Enhance Substantive Knowledge and Advocacy Skills Through Training and Cle.
Comply with All Professional Standards of Ethics and Practice.
Maintain Accurate Case Records and Timekeeping in Lasp's Case Management System and Assist with Required Reporting.
Perform Other Duties as Assigned.

Supervising
Staff Attorneys and Paralegal

Supervisor:
Chief Counsel

Qualifications:

Licensed to Practice Law in The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or Eligible for Admission.
Accredited with The Va or Able to Obtain Accreditation.
Demonstrated Commitment to Public Interest Law, Social Justice, and Serving Low-Income Veterans Through Trauma-Informed Advocacy.
Minimum of Three Years' Experience in Law Office Management and Litigation, Preferably in A Nonprofit Legal Services Setting, or Equivalent Experience.
Excellent Analytical, Organizational, Time-Management, and Communication Skills.
Demonstrated Ability to Work Effectively with Individuals Experiencing Mental Health Conditions, Substance Use Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Homelessness.
Willingness to Handle Complex and Challenging Cases and Develop Creative, Systemic Advocacy Strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in Veterans' Law and Policy, Including Va and Social Security Claims and Appeals.
Knowledge of Discharge Upgrade and Records Correction Processes, Including Bcm/n Rs and Discharge Review Boards.
Familiarity with The Uniform Code of Military Justice (ucmj) and Military Discharge Regulations.
Experience Conducting Investigations, Locating Witnesses, Submitting Foia Requests, and Drafting Affidavits.

Compensation and Benefits:
Lasp Offers a Competitive Salary and A Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including a 401(k)-Retirement Plan with Generous Employer Contributions, Health Insurance with 100% Employer-Paid Premiums, Ancillary Benefits, and Generous Paid Leave, Including Holidays, Floating Holidays, Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Parental Leave.

To Apply:
Send Resume and Cover Letter Including the Job Title (veterans Advocacy Project Supervising Attorney) to Carolyn Johnson, Chief Counsel, at Hiring@lasp.Org. the Position Will Remain Open until Filled.