Summit Legal Aid is a non-profit organization in the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) that provides free legal services to low-income residents in a ten-county region.  Our mission is to provide civil justice to vulnerable people in need of legal help. Our services empower our clients by keeping families protected, homes secured, and finances stabilized. We are currently seeking a Staff Attorney to work within our Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) program funded by Legal Services Corporation. 

Under the direct supervision of the Pro Bono and PAI Manager, you will:

• Identify, refer, and manage client matters eligible for the program,
• Recruit private attorneys to the program, with the guidance and oversight of the Pro Bono and PAI Manager,
• Assist with overseeing and managing private attorneys’ casework, from the referral process through case closure,
• Help establish, promote, and implement pro bono clinics,
• Collaborate with the Pro Bono and PAI Manager and private pro bono attorneys on client case management, and
• Educate the public about general legal information, this program and the casework it involves.

Skills and Requirements:

• Excellent written, verbal, and listening skills,
• Strong client advocacy and legal analysis,
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel and Outlook,
• Interest and ability to work with a diverse client population of varying social, educational, racial and ethnic backgrounds,
• Demonstrated ability to work on a team, prioritize responsibilities and manage and meet time-sensitive deadlines,
• Willingness to travel, attend community events and legal clinics,
• Strong reporting and organizational skills, and
• Developing connections among the local legal community.

This position will be full-time with benefits but with a prohibition against the outside practice of law. Flexible work schedules are permitted, when possible, though court appearances could be required as determined by the Courts of Common Pleas and local Magisterial District Courts. A license to practice in Pennsylvania is required.

At Summit Legal Aid, we recognize and promote the collective and individual benefits for all clients, staff, and partners to seek equal justice for every person, regardless of race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, religion, sex, or disability. Our team aspires to reach, include, and serve all potential clients throughout our service area, with a focus on those who may be most vulnerable and underserved.

The starting salary will be no less than $65,000 and will depend on experience.  Health, dental, and vision coverage is available for all full-time employees and eligible dependents.  A life insurance plan is provided for each full-time employee, paid entirely by Summit Legal Aid.  Voluntary 403(b) retirement contribution with eligibility for 8% employer match after one year of employment.  

Some attorneys are eligible for student loan repayment and/or forgiveness through:

• 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

Please send a resume and at least two references to:

Brian V. Gorman
Executive Director
brian@summitlegal.org