Finance - Banking Attorney / Real Estate - Foreclosure (Litigation) Attorney in Philadelphia, PA

Public Interest

Philadelphia, PA

Finance - Banking Attorney / Real Estate - Foreclosure (Litigation) Attorney in Philadelphia, PA

Attorney

No

Job Title: Staff Attorney, Homeownership Rights

Job Responsibilities:

Client-related:
- Handle all aspects of client representation, including screening and interviewing clients, conducting client interviews by telephone or in person, filing necessary court documents timely, analyzing facts to prepare appropriate case strategies, preparing for all court appearances, assessing holistic legal needs of clients and making referrals internally and externally, and providing technical assistance to staff and volunteer attorneys.
- Manage case-related tasks such as retrieving, transcribing, and performing prescreen data entry in the case management system, preparing and mailing retainers and letters, drafting court documents, communicating with clients or third parties, preparing case files for hearing/trial, maintaining case files and case management database, conducting home visits to frail or homebound clients, and handling other necessary tasks.
- Utilize interpretation services for Limited English Proficient older adults.
- Provide information and referrals to older homeowners, linking them to other resources and supportive services.

Community Outreach and Education:
- Represent the organization at professional committees and coalitions related to homeowners' issues to advocate for better services and access to justice for older homeowners.
- Develop and present legal education workshops to older homeowners.
- Aid in developing educational materials and resources for older homeowners and best practices resources for professionals.
- Assist in planning, organizing, and attending community outreach and tabling events.
- Assist with community clinics focused on older homeowners.
- Coordinate with the Project Director to update website, E-News, and other communication tools with project-related information.

Additional Responsibilities:
- Participate in scheduled project-related meetings, staff, and legal team meetings.
- Provide support to other colleagues agency-wide as needed.
- Assist with onboarding staff as needed.
- Become knowledgeable of and follow all the organization's personnel and legal policies and procedures.
- Demonstrate and model commitment to the organization's mission and values.
- Participate in the organization's culture of philanthropy and events to support the organization.
- Assist with quality control and case management data collection and reporting as necessary.
- Other responsibilities to further the mission of the project and organization.

Project-Based Duties and Responsibilities:

Client-related:
- Provide civil legal assistance to older homeowners, including representing homeowners in mortgage foreclosure diversion court, defending mortgage foreclosure complaints, representing clients in probate and estate administration or other civil proceedings to untangle or clear title, filing and representing older homeowners in other civil legal matters, preparing deeds to establish or confirm homeownership, preparing Wills and other personal planning documents, and offering advice or brief services on various civil legal matters related to homeownership.
- Provide advocacy and referrals to clients, focusing primarily on older homeowners.
- Other duties as identified by the Project Supervisor.

Systemic Advocacy:
- Identify systemic problems affecting older homeowners and work with local, statewide, and national partners to develop creative solutions.

Other Duties:
- The job description is not exhaustive and may change at any time with or without notice.

Education and Experience Information:

Required Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctor degree.
- Active member of the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing.

Preferred Education and Experience:
- Experience consulting older homeowners.
- Experience in financing, title, or mortgage foreclosure litigation.
- Courtroom experience.
- Second language proficiency.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Behaviors:
- Motivated self-starter with high-quality advocacy and negotiating skills.
- Highly professional, organized, energetic, flexible, and culturally sensitive.
- Excellent writing, organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
- Interest and ability to work with older people and persons of different backgrounds.

Salary Information:
- This is a full-time exempt hybrid position based in Philadelphia.
- Excellent benefits, including fully paid health and dental for the employee, long- and short-term disability, 401k, flexible spending plan, and generous holidays and leave time, valued at over $20,000.
- Salary range is commensurate with years of experience and the organization's salary structure, with a starting salary of $66,000.

Additional Information:
- The organization has a mandatory COVID vaccination policy for all staff and volunteers.
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- The organization is an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its work. Persons from diverse backgrounds and orientations are encouraged to apply.