Part-Time Attorney

About Us

The Veterans Law Center (VLC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal assistance to low-income veterans. Our work focuses on helping veterans secure VA compensation benefits for disabilities related to their military service and pursue military discharge upgrades when their separation was unjust or in error. VLC also assists veterans with civil legal issues that are essential to housing stability such as landlord-tenant disputes and criminal record clearing. We provide client-centered advocacy rooted in empathy and connection, meeting veterans where they are and guiding them through complex legal systems with consistency and care.

VLC seeks a part-time (up to 25 hours/week) attorney and welcomes candidates with a wide range of experience levels. We are open to recent graduates as well as seasoned practitioners. Prior work with veterans or veterans law is not required. What matters most is a willingness to learn, empathy for our clients, and a genuine desire to serve those who have served. Because we are a small team, our culture is collaborative and hands on. Attorneys should feel comfortable completing their own administrative tasks and assisting colleagues in a shared effort to support our mission. This part-time position also offers the possibility of expanding to full-time status in the future depending upon organizational needs, available funding, demonstrated abilities, and work performance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct eligibility screenings and intake interviews with veterans by phone and at outreach events
• Provide legal consultations and direct representation in matters involving VA benefit claims, military discharge upgrades, landlord-tenant disputes, criminal record clearing, and other civil legal issues
• Collect and analyze evidence, review records, develop case strategies, and prepare legal briefs and other supportive advocacy documents
• Negotiate with landlords and opposing counsel to resolve disputes and represent veterans in court proceedings and administrative hearings as needed
• Support and expand community partnerships by assisting with legal clinics, “know your rights” presentations for veterans, and trainings for community partner staff
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and admission to the Pennsylvania Bar required (or eligible to waive into the PA bar)
• Excellent oral advocacy, case development, and legal writing skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining careful attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a diverse population
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and a proactive willingness to support colleagues whenever needed
• Demonstrated ability to provide thoughtful, compassionate, and patient support to veterans living with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and/or experiences of trauma
• Prior experience in veterans, housing, or public interest law (preferred but not required)

Position Details

• Hours: 20-25 hours per week, flexible schedule
• Compensation: $35-50 per hour, based on relevant experience
• Location: This position is primarily remote, with occasional in person court hearings and outreach events in Philadelphia, and the option to attend biweekly staff meetings either in person or virtually.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is identified.