Job Title: Staff Attorney - Family Advocacy Unit
Job Responsibilities:
The primary responsibility of the Staff Attorney in the Family Advocacy Unit (FAU) is to provide zealous courtroom representation for parents involved with the child welfare system in Philadelphia. The attorney will focus on maintaining or regaining custody of children for these parents, who often face complex issues such as domestic violence, addiction, mental health problems, poverty, housing, and utility issues. The position requires significant courtroom advocacy with a heavy focus on high-quality client representation.
In addition to courtroom duties, the attorney will engage in non-litigation advocacy, including policy, administrative, and legislative advocacy. The role also involves organizing and teaching community and professional education sessions. Lawyers in this position may also be tasked with supervising and supporting paralegals, social workers, parent peer partners, and interns who provide advice, brief service, and some representation.
Education and Experience Information:
The position requires a minimum of two years of litigation experience, although clinic or moot court experience may be considered for outstanding candidates. Applicants must possess excellent oral advocacy, legal research, and writing skills, and demonstrate experience and ability to work with low-income and vulnerable individuals. A strong work ethic, organizational skills, and excellent communication abilities are essential. Furthermore, candidates must show a demonstrated commitment to public interest work and have experience and interest in policy and other forms of advocacy, with a high level of commitment to racial justice advocacy. Strong networking, relationship building, and communication skills are necessary, as well as sound professional and legal judgment.
Preferred qualifications include experience with child welfare or family law, although this is not required. Fluency in another language is considered helpful but is not mandatory.
Salary Information:
The position is a full-time role covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the organization and the Philadelphia Legal Services Union 2320/UAW. The organization offers a competitive salary based on experience, with a current minimum starting salary of $63,000 for newly admitted attorneys. Salaries increase with relevant years of experience and according to the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement.
Benefits:
The organization provides a very generous and competitive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid medical (including gender-affirming care), life, and short/long-term disability benefits. Additionally, there is a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution and a generous leave package, which includes 13 paid holidays and five personal holidays each year.
The organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the selection of employees based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, genetics, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. In compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment, this policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
