Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit legal aid organization. PLSE’s mission is to work toward just outcomes for low-income individuals who have had contact with the Pennsylvania criminal justice system. Through individual representation, strategic litigation, community education, research, and advocacy, PLSE advocates for a more equitable social environment for those with criminal records, including expanding access to employment and social services.

Position Summary:

PLSE is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to provide services to low-income Philadelphians trying to navigate the challenges and barriers of a criminal past. Reporting to the Senior Staff Attorney, the Staff Attorney will prepare and provide community education around criminal record histories and pathways to pardons; draft, review, file and argue expungement petitions; draft, submit, and represent clients on pardon applications, and participate in client intake sessions and explain criminal record histories and the expungement and pardon processes to potential clients. 

The position is full-time and exempt, with full benefits and a warm and supportive team atmosphere. PLSE values a diverse work environment and strongly encourages people with lived experience in the criminal justice system, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, and people with disabilities to apply.

Qualifications:

Candidates with personal experience with the criminal justice system are preferred. The successful candidate(s) must be organized, able to work independently and as part of a team, be comfortable in making presentations to large groups (e.g., community education and outreach programs), have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a good sense of humor. The position will require occasional evening and Saturday duties. The successful candidate(s) must:

• Be an attorney in good standing of the bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Have a demonstrated interest in the criminal and/or public interest law
• Have a demonstrated commitment to social justice
• Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team
• Must be able to travel and attend evening meetings
• Fluency in Spanish preferred but not required

Salary and Benefits: 

The salary for this position will be range from $62,000-$70,000, exact compensation dependent upon experience. Staff Attorneys are eligible to participate in IOLTA’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program. 

PLSE provides the following benefits:

• Medical, dental, long-term disability, and professional liability insurance fully paid by employer
• PA attorney registration
• Reimbursement for CLE courses
• Membership in two local bar associations
• Hybrid work opportunity

To Apply: 

Please include a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. PLSE values a diverse work environment. PLSE invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how their unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and the services we provide to impacted communities.

Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity is an equal opportunity employer. PLSE does not discriminate in the selection of employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, genetics, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, PLSE complies with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

More Information and Application