Staff Attorney - Health and Independence Unit, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

About the role

Community Legal Services, Inc. of Philadelphia (CLS) is a non‑profit public interest organization providing free civil legal services to low‑income Philadelphia residents. As the largest provider of free civil legal services in the Philadelphia area, CLS is locally and nationally renowned for its dedication to ensuring access to justice. The Health and Independence (H&I) Unit fights for the rights of people to access health care, public benefits, and supportive services they need to thrive. The unit represents low‑income families, domestic violence survivors, immigrants, older adults, and people with disabilities on issues such as accessing Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP, and securing safe long‑term care in the setting of one’s choice. The staff attorney will provide legal representation including informal advocacy with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the Social Security Administration, representation at administrative hearings, and state court appeals when appropriate. The position offers the opportunity to handle a high volume of individual cases while participating in systemic advocacy through administrative, legislative, and policy advocacy, class actions, and other impact litigation.

Responsibilities

• Handling a high volume of cases related to public benefits and elder law issues
• Participating in robust systemic advocacy, including administrative, legislative, and policy advocacy
• Engaging in impact litigation, when needed, including class action litigation and strategic appeals
• Creating community‑facing materials and participating in community outreach and engagement
• Providing substantive trainings to partners and community groups

Requirements

• Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar or ability to waive in
• Demonstrated commitment to working with diverse populations
• Excellent negotiation and analytical skills
• Excellent client interviewing skills
• Experience and interest in policy and other forms of advocacy
• Excellent legal research and writing skills
• Excellent work ethic, organization, and communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest work and racial justice advocacy
• Sound professional and legal judgment

Qualifications

• Litigation experience
• Experience in public benefits law
• Experience working with issues affecting older adults and people with disabilities
• Experience supervising others

Benefits

• 100% employer‑paid medical (including gender affirming care)
• Employer‑paid life and short/long‑term disability benefits
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous leave package: 13 paid holidays and five personal holidays each year

Pay

This is a full‑time position covered by the collective bargaining agreement between CLS and the Philadelphia Legal Services Union N.O.L.S.W./Local 2320/UAW. CLS offers a competitive salary based on experience, with a current minimum starting salary of $65,000 for newly admitted attorneys, increasing with relevant years of experience according to the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.