Job Summary: 

The Staff Attorney will be responsible for providing legal assistance, education and advocacy on behalf of eligible clients of the program, with a focus on wage theft and other types of employment cases. Staff Attorneys are also expected to be a part of the organization’s efforts to be a partner in the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network. While some remote work is anticipated, the successful candidate will be expected to be present in either the Philadelphia or the Pittsburgh office at least a few days each week.

About Justice at Work: 

Justice at Work is a nonprofit legal aid provider based in Pennsylvania. Our mission is to support workers in low-wage industries as they pursue economic and social justice. We advance our mission through the provision of legal services, education, and advocacy. We employ a client-centered model of service: we seek to address clients’ challenges based on the unique circumstances of each individual, with a focus on their viewpoint and goals; we recognize that justice is a process; we believe that the experience we create for our clients as we guide them through the legal process is as important as the ultimate legal outcomes we seek to bring about.

We have offices in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and provide legal services throughout Pennsylvania. We focus much of our work on Spanish-speaking immigrant and migrant communities living in small cities, towns and agricultural communities across the state. We strive to elevate marginalized community voices and are working toward prioritizing racial justice in our advocacy and among our staff, board, clients and volunteers.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and at least two years of experience working as an attorney in any type of practice with a strong preference for employment law experience
• Pennsylvania Bar membership or ability to obtain Pennsylvania law license as soon as possible if hired
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent legal research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Self-motivated, and able to work both collaboratively and independently
• Ability to work well with a wide range of people
• Commitment to recognizing and promoting the dignity of all people
• Willingness to participate in challenging and uncomfortable conversations around race and systemic racism
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel independently for off-site meetings, trainings and to engage in mobile advocacy, in a rental car provided by Justice at Work
• Ability and willingness to adjust work schedule to meet client needs, including weekend and evening work when necessary
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and ability to take initiative in development and completion of projects
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances and varying work styles

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Spanish language skills (strongly preferred)
• Knowledge of employment law
• Experience representing clients in administrative proceedings, state court and/or federal court
• Experience working with farmworker, migrant and/or immigrant communities
• Experience working with individuals or communities experiencing structural oppression and/or extreme poverty
• Experience interviewing individuals who have experienced trauma
• Excellent relationship management skills
• Comfort with public speaking in a variety of settings and to a wide range of audiences

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality direct legal assistance to clients
• Maintain a caseload commensurate with abilities and caseload difficulty
• Participate in intake and case evaluation on a regular basis
• Provide community education and advocacy on behalf of clients and client communities
• Maintain the highest ethical standards as a member of the Pennsylvania Bar and regularly seek out information relating to changes to the relevant areas of law
• Demonstrate dependability through good attendance, adherence to timelines and schedules, and regular communication with supervisor
• Comply with all applicable regulations, policies and procedures, confidentiality guidelines and grant requirements
• Ensure that all timekeeping, client files, data and reports are accurate, complete, and timely
• Develop and maintain good relationships with the client community, state and local bar groups and other community groups
• Embrace and support the organization’s overall mission and internal standards for client representation

Physical Requirements

This work requires the following physical activities:

• Sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, squatting, kneeling, stooping; good finger dexterity and feeling; frequent repetitive motions; ability to speak and hear; or the ability to perform essential job functions with reasonable accommodation
• Lifting (up to 25 pounds of files, supplies or minor office equipment)
• Requires substantial time spent typing
• Requires driving for up to 4 to 5 hours at a time

Salary & Benefits: 

The starting salary for this position is $60,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Justice at Work offers generous benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans at no cost to employees, their spouse, and their children
• Life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage
• Retirement plan with employer contribution (typically 3%)
• Generous holiday, sick, vacation, and personal paid leave, including paid holiday leave for one week at the end of each year
• Up to $7,500 per year in student loan repayment assistance

Classification: 

Justice at Work recognizes a staff bargaining unit, Justice at Work Staff Union, affiliated with the News Guild of Greater Philadelphia, Local 38010 Communication Workers of America. This position is included in the bargaining unit. Some employment terms are subject to collective bargaining.

Application Process: 

Accepted on a rolling basis but priority will be given to applicants who submit their cover letter and resume by December 20, 2023. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Alicia Anguiano, Chief Legal Officer, at jaw@justiceatworklegalaid.org. 

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of background checks as determined by JaW. 

Nondiscrimination: 

JaW is committed to fostering opportunities for all, particularly those from underrepresented and marginalized communities. We follow an equal opportunity employment policy and employ personnel without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability status, veteran status, military obligations and marital status. Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this position. These statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.