Description

The Staff Attorney, Victim Services provides direct legal services to and engages in advocacy on behalf older victims in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and/or Montgomery Counties.

Role-Based Duties and Responsibilities:

Client related

Handle all aspects of client representation, including, but not limited to: screening and interviewing walk-in and/or emergency clients 
conducting client interviews by telephone or in person to give legal opinion or recommend a case for further services
filing necessary court documents timely
analyzing facts to prepare appropriate case strategies
preparing for all court appearances 
assessing holistic legal needs of clients and make referrals internally and externally
providing technical assistance to staff and volunteer attorneys 
 

Handle case-related tasks including but not limited to: retrieving, transcribing, and performing prescreen data entry in the case management system as needed
preparing and mailing retainers and letters, 
drafting court documents
communicating with clients or third parties via telephone, email, text message or other by other means
preparing case files for hearing/trial
maintaining case files and case management database
conducting home visits to frail or homebound clients
handling other case or client related tasks as necessary
 

Utilize Language line or other interpretation services for Limited English Proficient (LEP) older adults.
Provide information and referrals to older victims of crime, linking them to other resources and supportive services, including emergency financial assistance, support groups, health services and other resources.

Community Outreach and Education

Represent SeniorLAW Center at professional committees/coalitions related to older adult victimization to advocate for better services and access to justice for older victims of crime. 
Develop and present legal education workshops to older adults to prevent victimization, identify victims and promote self-identification or refer them to needed services. 
Aid in the development of educational materials and resources for older victims of crime and “best practices” resources for professionals. 
Aid in planning, organizing, and attending community outreach and tabling events. 
Assist with community clinics focused on older victims of crime. 
Coordinate with Project Director to update website, E-News, and other communication tools with project related information. 

Additional Responsibilities:

Participate in scheduled project related meetings.
Participate in staff and Legal team meetings.
Provide support to other colleagues agency wide as needed. 
Assist with on-boarding staff as needed.
Become knowledgeable of and follow all SeniorLAW Center’s personnel and legal policies and procedures.
Demonstrate and model commitment to SeniorLAW Center’s mission and values.
Participate in SeniorLAW Center’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 mission of the project and organization.

Project-Based Duties and Responsibilities:

Client-related

Providing civil legal assistance to victims of crime, including, but not limited to:

filing and pursing protection from abuse petitions and related litigation.
filing quiet title actions and other related litigation to address fraud.
prepare revocation and powers of attorney.
filing of and representing victims of financial exploitation and abuse in other civil legal matters arising directly out of the victimization to ensure the economic security of the client including ejectment actions, landlord-tenant matters, mortgage foreclosures, spousal support actions, kinship/custody matters, debt collection and consumer matters.
Providing information, support and advocacy with related criminal proceedings that may impact civil litigation, collaborating with the police and District Attorneys as necessary.
Work with Legal advocate to provide appropriate safety planning, including other legal tools necessary to ensure the safety of the victim.

Systemic Advocacy 

Identify systemic problems affecting older victims of crime and work with our local, statewide and national partners to develop creative solutions. 
 

Requirements

Required Education and Experience:

Juris Doctor
Active member of the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing 
At least four (4) years of civil litigation experience, including substantial time in the courtroom.
the experience to independently handle a case load of PFA, ejectment, and other civil cases within a short period of time.
experience with victims of crime and/or violence and a highly developed ability to interact with such clients in a trauma-informed manner.
the motivation to work independently and the skills to operate within a team.
highly developed advocacy and negotiating skills
excellent writing, organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
flexibility and cultural sensitivity; and
a keen interest and ability to work with older people and persons of different backgrounds (second language proficiency a plus).
 

Preferred Education and Experience:

Experience with victims of crime and/or violence 
Second language proficiency preferred 
Extensive litigation and courtroom experience 
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Behaviors:

     Must be a motivated self-starter
     Must possess 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