Family Advocacy Unit Staff Attorney

Community Legal Services, Inc.•Philadelphia, PA

5d•$65,000•Onsite

About The Position

Community Legal Services, Inc. of Philadelphia (CLS) is seeking a Staff Attorney for its Family Advocacy Unit (FAU). This role involves representing parents involved with the Philadelphia child welfare system, aiming to help them maintain or regain custody of their children. The FAU utilizes an interdisciplinary team model to provide high-quality representation to clients facing complex issues such as domestic violence, addiction, mental health problems, poverty, and housing/utility issues. In addition to direct client representation, FAU lawyers engage in policy, administrative, and legislative advocacy, as well as community and professional education. Lawyers may also supervise paralegals, social workers, parent peer partners, and interns. This is a demanding position that combines courtroom advocacy with systems and policy advocacy to improve outcomes for vulnerable families.

Requirements

2 years litigation experience preferred; will consider clinic or moot court experience for outstanding candidates
Excellent oral advocacy skills
Excellent legal research and writing skills
Experience and ability to work with low-income and vulnerable individuals
Excellent work ethic, organization, and communication skills
Demonstrated commitment to public interest work
Experience and interest in policy and other forms of advocacy
High level commitment to racial justice advocacy
Strong networking, relationship building and communication skills
Exhibit sound professional and legal judgment

Nice To Haves

Experience with child welfare or family law preferred, but not required
Fluency in another language is helpful, but not required

Responsibilities

Represent parents involved with the Philadelphia child welfare system in their effort to maintain or regain custody of their children.
Provide high-quality representation to parents facing complex issues including domestic violence, addiction, mental health problems, poverty, housing issues, and utility issues.
Engage in non-litigation focused advocacy, including policy, administrative, and legislative advocacy.
Organize and teach community and professional education sessions.
Provide supervision and support to paralegals, social workers, parent peer partners, and interns.