Staff Attorney - Housing Justice

Position Summary:The Staff Attorney, Housing Justice provides comprehensive legal services, direct representation, community engagement, and systemic advocacy to prevent displacement and preserve housing stability. This includes both tenant rights (evictions, unsafe housing, subsidy issues) and homeownership preservation (foreclosure, tangled title, and estate-related housing issues). Founded in 1978, SeniorLAW Center is a dynamic nonprofit public interest legal services organization whose mission is to seek justice for older people by using the power of the law, educating the community, and advocating on local, state, and national levels. We are the only non-profit agency in Pennsylvania wholly dedicated to providing legal assistance to older persons and protecting their legal rights, and one of few in the nation. SeniorLAW Center prioritizes services to older people who are low-income, cultural, and racial minorities, the disabled, victims of crime and family violence, and those facing other vulnerabilities and challenges. We fight senior poverty, fraud, and homelessness, provide protection from elder abuse and financial exploitation, enable grandparents to raise grandchildren, and improve access to justice. Salary Range/Benefit Information:Excellent benefits, including fully paid health and dental for employee, long- and short-term disability, 401k, flexible spending plan, and generous holidays and leave time, with a value of over $20,000. Salary range, commensurate with years of experience and SeniorLAW Center’s salary structure: starting salary $66,000. Project-Based Duties and Responsibilities:Client-relatedProvide civil legal assistance to older tenants and homeowners including, but not limited to:Represent tenants in eviction, ejectment, and illegal lockout mattersFiling preliminary injunctions or other pleadings challenging illegal lockoutsRepresentation in administrative hearings for public or subsidized housing tenantsRepresent tenants in complaints before the Philadelphia Fair Housing CommissionFiling of and representing older tenants in other civil legal matters as assigned by Project DirectorHomeownership PreservationRepresent homeowners in mortgage foreclosure diversion and litigationResolve tangled title issues through probate, estate administration, and deed preparationDraft wills and planning documents to stabilize housing ownershipProvide advice and brief services on home-ownership-related legal issuesProvide advocacy and referrals to SeniorLAW Center clients with the primary focus on older tenants and homeownersAssist with housing focused community clinicsAssist with housing focused client councilOther duties as identified by Project Director. Community Outreach and EducationRepresent SeniorLAW Center at professional committees/coalitions related to housing to advocate for better services and access to justice for older tenants and homeownersDevelop and present legal education workshopsAid in the development of educational materials and resources for older tenants, homeowners and “best practices” resources for professionals.Aid in planning, organizing, and attending community outreach and tabling eventsAssist with community clinics focused on housing related issuesCoordinate with Project Director to update website, E-News, and other communication tools with project related information. Systemic AdvocacyIdentify systemic problems affecting older tenants and homeowners and work with our local, statewide, and national partners to develop creative solutions. Role-Based Duties and Responsibilities:Client-relatedHandle all aspects of client representation, including, but not limited to:Screening and interviewing walk-in and/or emergency clientsConducting client interviews by telephone or in person to give legal opinion or recommend a case is accepted for further servicesFiling necessary court documents timelyAnalyzing facts to prepare appropriate case strategiesPreparing for all court appearancesAssessing holistic legal needs of clients and make referrals internally and externallyProviding technical assistance to staff and volunteer attorneysRetrieving, transcribing, and performing prescreen data entry in the case management system as neededPreparing and mailing retainers and lettersDrafting court documentsCommunicating with clients or third parties via telephone, email, text message or other by other meansPreparing case files for hearing/trialMaintaining case files and case management databaseConducting home visits to frail or homebound clientsHandling other case or client related tasks as necessaryUtilize Language line or other interpretation services for Limited English Proficient (LEP) older adults.Provide information and referrals to older tenants, linking them to other resources and supportive services, including emergency financial assistance, support groups, health services, and other resources. Additional Responsibilities:Participate in scheduled project-relatedParticipate in staff and Legal team meetingsProvide support to other colleagues agency wide as neededAssist with on-boarding staff as neededBecome knowledgeable of and follow all SeniorLAW Center’s personnel and legal policies and proceduresDemonstrate and model commitment to SeniorLAW Center’s mission and valuesParticipate in SeniorLAW Center’s culture of philanthropy and events to support the organizationAssist with quality control and case management data collection and reporting, as necessary.Other responsibilities to further mission of the project and organization Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Required Education and ExperienceJuris DoctorActive member of the Pennsylvania Bar in good standingCourtroom experience Preferred Education and ExperienceExperience in housing law (tenant or homeownership)Experience with foreclosure, title, estate, or subsidy-related mattersExperience working with older adults or vulnerable populationsSecond language proficiency Core CompetenciesStrong litigation, advocacy, and negotiation skillsExcellent writing, communication, and organizational abilitiesCultural competence and client-centered approachSelf-starter with flexibility and sound judgmentAbility to manage a diverse, high-volume caseload Work ConditionsThis job operates in a professional office environmentThis role routinely uses standard office equipment Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodation.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Note SeniorLAW Center has a mandatory COVID vaccination policy for all staff and volunteers. All applications should include a cover letter and resume, a professional writing sample, and at least three (3) professional references. The references shared should be able to attest to the candidate’s work ethic, skills, and achievements in past roles. SeniorLAW Center is an equal opportunity employer and values fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace in all aspects of our work. SeniorLAW Center prohibits discrimination based on age, race, national origin, color, religion, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, sex, gender identity, familial status, or any other basis prohibited by law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.