Senior Attorney

Full-Time Senior Attorney

Background

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. We also assist veterans with other legal issues that are essential to housing stability, including landlord-tenant matters and criminal record clearing.

VLC is seeking a full-time senior attorney to join our team. This leadership position is responsible for delivering comprehensive legal services to veteran clients and helping manage VLC legal programs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct eligibility screenings and intake interviews with veterans at outreach events
• Provide legal consultations and direct representation in matters involving VA benefit claims, military discharge upgrades, landlord-tenant disputes, and criminal record clearing
• Collect and analyze evidence, review records, develop case strategies, and prepare legal briefs and other supportive advocacy documents
• Negotiate with landlords and opposing parties to resolve disputes and represent veterans in court proceedings and administrative hearings as needed
• Strengthen and expand community partnerships by coordinating and leading legal clinics, know your rights presentations for veterans, and trainings for community partner staff
• Provide supervision and support to staff attorneys, legal staff, and interns to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services
• Assist VLC leadership manage program operations, develop and refine policies, and implement efficient systems to improve overall program performance
• Collect, interpret, and report case outcome data and other data that demonstrates the success of VLC legal services

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and admission to the PA Bar required
• Minimum 5 years of legal experience, with significant experience in housing and/or veterans laws
• Demonstrated ability managing an active caseload while providing supervision and overseeing program workflows, outcomes, and compliance
• 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
• Candidates who may not meet every listed qualification but bring strong legal skills, leadership ability, and the commitment to quickly grow into the role are encouraged to apply

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the position will be filled as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified. Salary range for the senior attorney position is $72,000-$90,000, depending on pertinent experience. VLC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; short- and long-term disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; and generous paid time off and holidays. This is a primarily remote position, with several required in-person staff meetings and outreach events in Philadelphia each month.