NWLS Employment Opportunities

Staff Attorney - Erie, Meadville, and Bradford Offices

Northwestern Legal Services (NWLS) is seeking qualified and diverse applicants for multiple full-time Staff Attorney positions in our Erie, Meadville, and Bradford, PA offices.  We are a PA non-profit law firm providing free legal services to low-income people with civil legal issues in the ten northwestern counties of PA since 1969. 

Caseloads will include domestic violence, public benefits, family law, housing, and other areas of public interest law, and outreach to the low-income community is expected.  Legal services provided include: advice; individual and group representation; litigation; appellate practice; judicial challenges to particular practices and regulations; development of specialized programs to serve clients who have legal problems in specific areas of civil law; education of the client community concerning the rights of low-income people, education of the larger community concerning the needs and rights of low-income people and legislative and administrative education.  Legal services are not provided in fee-generating cases or in matters in which the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has an obligation to furnish counsel to the indigent.  Nor are services provided in criminal matters.  Extensive training will be provided.  Some travel may be required.  NWLS Staff Attorneys work directly with the Executive Director and their Managing Attorney.  

Applicants must be admitted or eligible to practice law in PA, or have plans to take or have recently passed the PA bar exam to be considered.  Starting salary range for 0-3 years' experience is currently $50,000-$53,000.  We offer an EXTENSIVE benefits package, liberal fringe benefits and perks, and emphasize a healthy work/home life balance to help avoid burnout.

Loan repayment assistance is potentially available for qualifying loans.  Employment with NWLS qualifies for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.  We are an EEO Employer promoting and praticing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles and policies.

Applicants must email (mail or fax) a detailed cover letter, resume, references, and brief writing sample to the Administrative Assistant at ttate@nwls.org to be considered.

Northwestern Legal Services
1001 State Street, Suite 700
Erie, PA  16501

(814) 452-8145 - Fax

www.nwls.org

No Phone Calls Please

Northwestern Legal Services is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Paralegal position in our Erie, PA office. 

Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in serving the low-income community and possess good oral and written communication skills.  Prior social work, legal experience, and/or experience with client caseloads is ideal.  Ability to speak a local language other than English is a plus. 

Our paralegals carry their own caseloads and directly represent clients in Administrative Law cases and hearings such as Social Security, Public Benefits, Unemployment, and Public Housing.  Some travel may be required for community outreach.  Extensive training and supervision will be provided.  Liberal benefits offered with an emphasis on work/life balance. 

Starting salary is currently $33,000-$36,000+, depending on experience.  Employment qualifies for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Applicants must email a detailed cover letter, resume, references, and a short writing sample to the Administrative Assistant at ttate@nwls.org.

Northwestern Legal Services

1001 State St., Suite 700

Erie, PA 16501

www.nwls.org

814-452-8145 - Fax 

No Phone Calls Please

EEO Employer

Additional employment opportunities with legal services programs/law schools/organizations:

1. Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network posts job openings within Pennsylvania Programs.

2. NLADA also posts openings nationwide