Summit Legal Aid is a non-profit organization in the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN).  Our mission is civil justice for those in need, their homes secured, families protected, and finances fortified.  We seek a staff attorney for our Fayette and Westmoreland County offices.

As a member of our team, you will:

• Advise and represent clients in family and juvenile dependency matters
• Advise and represent clients in other civil matters related to housing and financial security
• Collaborate with staff and partners for holistic client advocacy
• Maintain a commitment to advocate for the rights of our low-income community

This position will be full-time with benefits but with a prohibition against the outside practice of law. A flexible work schedule is permitted, when possible, though court appearances will be required as determined by the courts.  Local travel will occur, including client representation in neighboring counties.  A license to practice in Pennsylvania is required.

Professional development

Summit is committed to the professional development of its advocates. New employees undergo an orientation period involving Summit’s policies and practices while shadowing experienced Summit advocates’ client advice and representation. Teams of managing attorneys, staff attorneys, and paralegals collaborate on casework under the supervision of deputy directors, and advocates are offered opportunities for continuing education about our casework and client services, including by the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network and our partner programs.
 

Salary and other compensation

The salary will be at least $60,000 and will depend on experience.  

Eligible attorneys for student loan repayment and/or forgiveness can apply to the following programs:

• Pa. Bar Foundation: https://www.pabar.org/site/Foundation/What-We-Do/PA-IOLTA-Loan-Repayment-Assistance
• Legal Services Corporation:  https://lsc.gov/grants/loan-repayment-assistance-program 
• U.S. Department of Education:  https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service 

Excellent health insurance is provided, with employees’ medical insurance premiums paid 100% and dependents’ 95%, and deductible payments are fully reimbursed while 90% of copays are reimbursed.  Premiums for dental and vision are fully covered, with the same reimbursements.

A 403(b) retirement plan becomes effective after one year of employment, with Summit contributing 3% regardless of employee contribution, plus matching up to an additional 5% of the employee’s contribution.  Other benefits include life and disability insurance.

Generous leave benefits are offered, including vacation, personal, sick/health, family and bereavement leave, and offices are closed for holidays as consistently as possible with our courts.

Licensing, relevant professional associations, and travel, meals and lodging for conferences and trainings related to those associations or the employee’s casework are fully advanced or reimbursed.
 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential tenets of our mission, and our work environment and practices reflect our commitment to uplifting the marginalized and oppressed communities we serve. We strive to recruit and retain a full spectrum of staff who are representative of our communities’ diverse demographics.

Send a resume and at least two references to:
 

Brian V. Gorman
Executive Director
 brian@summitlegal.org