Staff Attorney - Northwest Pennsylvania

About the role

The Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) seeks a full-time attorney to lead our Northwest IOLTA Zone project, which focuses on helping people living in Northwestern Pennsylvania stay connected to Medicaid coverage when work requirements and other changes start in January 2027. This is an immediate-hire position for a mission-driven attorney who wants to make a direct difference in the lives of low-income Pennsylvanians. This grant-funded position will be for multiple years.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload involving access to health insurance coverage and services for clients with limited incomes.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with third parties including County Assistance Office eligibility staff and managed care plans.
• Represent clients in administrative appeals and other litigation, where appropriate.
• Build and sustain relationships with regional partners, providers, and community organizations to expand PHLP’s reach in northwest Pennsylvania.
• Engage in community outreach and education, including delivering trainings in-person as well as virtually.
• Assist with development of materials such as fact sheets and newsletter articles/blog posts.
• Provide supervision and support to paralegals and support staff working on this project, as applicable.
• Work with communications staff to develop social media messaging geared toward NW PA, including content for explainer videos and other visual content.
• Maintain accurate and complete client files and case records that detail the legal work provided and grant compliance requirements.
• Contribute to PHLP’s systemic advocacy and policy work, including developing strategies to mitigate harm resulting from major Medicaid changes affecting Pennsylvanians.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• J.D. and admission to the Pennsylvania bar (or admission pending / eligibility to waive in). Newly barred attorneys are encouraged to apply.
• Commitment to PHLP’s mission and to serving low-income and marginalized communities.
• Experience with Medicaid, public benefits, health law, or legal services serving low-income communities strongly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to self-start and manage a project and caseload.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small nonprofit environment, including remotely.
• Commitment to culturally competent and empathetic client-centered service.
• Spanish or other relevant second-language fluency a plus.
• Experience with case management systems (e.g., LegalServer) and proficiency in Office365/Microsoft Office preferred.
• Ties to or familiarity with northwest Pennsylvania communities a plus.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for full-time employees; coverage for spouse and dependent children available at minimal cost.
• Voluntary health-insurance opt-out program for employees with qualifying alternate coverage.
• Employer-paid life insurance and both short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching after the first year.
• 15 days vacation per year (accrued monthly), increasing to 21 days in the fifth year.
• 12 days sick leave per year (accrued monthly).
• Up to three personal days per year (accrued semi-annually).
• 15 paid holidays per year, including Juneteenth, plus half-days on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
• Paid parental leave: 8 weeks fully paid gender-neutral leave for birth or adoption after one year of service.
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP): up to $5,250/year for up to 60 months.
• Bar dues, disciplinary board fees, and at least one bar association membership paid by PHLP for attorneys.
• Dedicated professional development funds annually, plus Continuing Legal Education and support for conferences, trainings, and career growth.
• Remote-friendly work with a supportive, collegial culture and a standard 35-hour work week.

Pay

Attorney salaries start at $63,654 for newly barred attorneys, with credit for relevant prior experience. PHLP offers bonuses for staff who are fluent in a language relevant to our client population, such as Spanish.