NWLS Employment Opportunities

Northwestern Legal Services (NWLS) is seeking qualified applicants for two (2) full-time Staff Attorney positions in our Erie, PA office. We are a PA non-profit legal aid organization providing free legal services to eligible residents with civil legal issues in the 10 northwestern counties of PA.

Responsibilities

NWLS Staff Attorneys work on-site and report directly to their office's Managing Attorney and the Executive Director. They will be expected to provide quality civil legal advice, individual (or group) representation and litigation, appellate practice, and be able to identify and navigate challenges to particular judicial practices and regulations. Staff Attorneys must also provide education and maintain educational materials to and for the low-income client community concerning their rights, as well as education of the larger community concerning these issues, and legislative and administrative education. 

Caseloads will include domestic violence, family law, consumer law, public benefits, housing, unemployment, and other areas of civil public interest and poverty law. The Erie office primarily covers cases in Erie County, but Erie Staff Attorneys may have to cover cases in other counties in the NWLS service area from time to time. Travel will be expected periodically for hearings, client meetings, community outreaches, and professional development and training activities. All travel mileage is reimbursed.

Attorneys will be expected to responsibly maintain and professionally manage their client caseloads with the utmost care and respect for rule of law, ethical conduct, and PA bar regulations and requirements. NWLS is mission-driven and focused on compassion and understanding of the civil legal needs of the low-income community.

Desired Skills & Work Culture

Applicants should have a passion for the provision of civil legal services to those who cannot afford to pay a private attorney. Attorneys will be expected to handle and manage their own paperwork and files, communication with their clients, keep important deadlines, and be compliant with funder requirements. Attorneys are also expected to keep detailed and contemporaneous time records and have organized and compliant file maintenance practices. New attorneys are extensively trained and mentored. We have a laid-back and practical work culture that new attorneys enjoy, emphasizing a work/life balance to help avoid burn-out and stress.

Qualifications

In order to be considered for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree from an accredited law school.
• Be a PA Bar member, OR; be eligible to practice law in PA or for reciprocity, OR; have imminent plans to sit for or have recently taken the PA bar exam (bar passage is required).
• Be able to analyze and apply legal principles to practical problems in an understandable manner to clients, both verbally and in written communication.
• Have knowledge and understanding of the problems and needs of the low-income community and the ability to relate to poverty and community groups, as well as other staff.
• Have strong interpersonal skills and a client-centered approach, including the ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Have basic technological abilities and skills, including typing, computers, phones, and general office equipment, and familiarity with case management systems and office software programs.
• Be aware of and practice ethical principles and confidentiality standards for handling client information.
• Have organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain accurate client files and time records.

 Prior working experience with our client community or programs to aid low-income populations is a plus. The ability to communicate in a language other than English which is spoken by a significant segment of the client community is a plus.

 Salary & Work Schedule

The starting annual salary for Staff Attorneys with 0-3 years' experience is $65,000-67,000+. Starting salary increases based on relevant work experience and skills. Work hours are 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday.

Notable benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Dependent Care Account (DCA) available
• 12.5 Paid Holidays per year
• Vacation, Sick, and Leave Time
• Short-Term Disability; Long-Term Disability Available
• Automatic Annual Employer Contributions to 401(k), regardless of Employee Contribution
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance Programs available for qualified loans
• Employment currently qualifies for federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (subject to change)
• Employer-paid Professional Development Opportunities
• Stipend for qualified moving expenses
• Flexibility in work schedule and remote-working opportunities

 Application Process

All attorney applicants must submit a detailed cover letter, resume, minimum of 2 references, and a brief writing sample via email, mail, fax, or online to be considered. Cover letters should highlight and explain relevant experience and skills, explain any significant work history gaps, and include any other information that would be beneficial to the applicant's selection for interview. Resumes should include email and phone number contact information. Interviews will be scheduled at the end of July or early August. No telephone inquiries please. NWLS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

• Email: contact@nwls.org
• Mail: 1314 Griswold Plaza, Suite 103, Erie, PA 16501
• Fax: (814) 452-8145
• Job Posted: 7/10/2026

Northwestern Legal Services (NWLS) is seeking qualified and diverse applicants for one (1) full-time Support Staff position in our Erie, PA office.  NWLS is a Pennsylvania non-profit legal aid organization providing free civil legal services to low-income people living in the 10 northwestern counties of PA.

Role Description

The Full-Time Support Staff role at NWLS is an on-site position providing administrative and client support to the Erie office. Day-to-day responsibilities include answering phones, making phone calls, greeting and directing clients and visitors, scheduling and managing appointments, and assisting clients with intake forms and basic information requests. The role also supports the legal and administrative teams by organizing files, maintaining records, running reports, preparing and mailing correspondence, performing data entry and database maintenance, and assisting with projects. Additional tasks may involve coordinating with staff across other NWLS offices, helping with community outreaches and client materials, general office upkeep, ordering supplies, and ensuring that office procedures follow NWLS policies and confidentiality requirements. This full-time position requires reliability, patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to supporting accessible legal services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional training or education in office administration, social services, or related fields is beneficial.
• Experience in support roles, customer service, and/or office environments is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a client-centered approach, including the ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Awareness of safeguarding principles and confidentiality standards when handling client information.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
• Basic technical support abilities and comfort using office technology, including computers, phones, printers, and case management systems, and office programs.
• Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain accurate records.
• The ability to speak a language other than English that is prevalent in the community is a huge asset.
• Familiarity with and understanding of the low-income community and its needs is expected.
• Prior experience in a legal, non-profit, or client service environment is preferred, but not required.

Salary, Work Schedule & Benefits

The starting annual salary is $29,120+. Salary will increase with years of relevant experience and skills. This is the equivalent to $16 per hour. Work hours are 35 hours per week; Monday - Friday.

Notable Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Dependent Care Account (DCA) available
• 12.5 Paid Holidays per year
• Vacation, Sick, and Leave Time
• Automatic Annual Employer Contributions to 401(k), regardless of Employee Contribution
• Employment currently qualifies for federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (subject to change)
• Employer-Paid Professional Development Opportunities & Notary Training & Certification

Application Process

All applicants must submit a detailed cover letter, resume, and minimum of 2 references via email, mail, fax, or online to be considered. Cover letters should identify what position the applicant is interested in, how the applicant found out about the position, explain relevant experience, outline relevant skills, explain any work history gaps, and include any other information that would be beneficial to the applicant's selection for interview. Resumes should include email and phone number contact information. Interviews will be scheduled at the end of July or early August. No telephone inquiries please. NWLS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

• Email: contact@nwls.org
• Mail: 1314 Griswold Plaza, Suite 103, Erie, PA 16501
• Fax: (814) 452-8145
• Or apply right here online!
• Job Posted: 7/10/2026

Northwestern Legal Services (NWLS) is seeking qualified applicants for one (1) full-time Support Staff position in our Franklin, PA office. We are a PA non-profit legal aid organization providing free legal services to eligible residents with civil legal issues in the 10 northwestern counties of the state. The Franklin Office services all of Venango County.

Role Description

The Full-Time Support Staff role at Northwestern Legal Services is an on-site position providing administrative and client support to the Franklin office. Day-to-day responsibilities include answering phones, making phone calls, greeting and directing visitors, scheduling and managing appointments, and assisting clients with intake forms and basic information requests. The role supports the legal team by organizing files, maintaining records, preparing and mailing correspondence, and performing data entry and maintenance. Additional tasks may involve coordinating with staff across other NWLS offices, helping with community outreaches and materials, general office maintenance and upkeep, and ensuring that office procedures follow NWLS policies and confidentiality requirements. This full-time position requires reliability, attention to detail, and a commitment to supporting accessible legal services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional training or education in office administration, social services, or related fields is beneficial.
• Experience in support roles, customer service, and/or office environments is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a client-centered approach, including the ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Awareness of safeguarding principles and confidentiality standards when handling client information.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
• Basic technical support abilities and comfort using office technology, including computers, phones, printers, and case management systems, and office programs.
• Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain accurate records.
• Familiarity with and understanding of the low-income community and its needs is expected.
• Prior experience in a legal, non-profit, or client service environment is preferred, but not required.

 Salary, Work Schedule & Benefits

The starting annual salary is $27,300+. Salary will increase with years of relevant experience. This is the equivalent to $15 per hour. Work hours are 35 hours per week; Monday - Friday.

Notable Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Dependent Care Account (DCA) available
• 12.5 Paid Holidays per year
• Vacation, Sick, and Leave Time
• Automatic Annual Employer Contributions to 401(k), regardless of Employee Contribution
• Employment currently qualifies for federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (subject to change)
• Employer-paid Professional Development Opportunities & Notary Training & Certification

Application Process

All applicants must submit a detailed cover letter, resume, and minimum of 2 references via email, mail, fax, or online to be considered. Cover letters should identify what position the applicant is interested in, how the applicant found out about the position, explain relevant experience, outline relevant skills, explain any work history gaps, and include any other information that would be beneficial to the applicant's selection for interview. Resumes should include email and phone number contact information. Interviews will be scheduled at the end of July or early August. No telephone inquiries please. NWLS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

• Email: contact@nwls.org
• Mail: 1314 Griswold Plaza, Suite 103, Erie, PA 16501
• Fax: (814) 452-8145
• Or apply right here online!
• Job Posted: 7/10/2026

NORTHWESTERN LEGAL SERVICES FRINGE BENEFITS 

The following benefits are offered and paid for by Northwestern Legal Services: 

Health Insurance: Full-time employees are responsible for a small portion of the premium for coverage for themselves and their dependents. NWLS provides a Medical Expense Reimbursement Program  (MERP), which is a benefit we fund to help reduce employee medical costs. NWLS pays the first portion of the deductible; the Employee pays the last portion. 

Flexible Spending Account: This is an optional benefit for full-time employees, which, if  selected, allows employees to gradually set aside tax-free income each paycheck to pay for uncovered medical expenses. This reduces an employee's taxable income by the amount selected, up to $1,500 per plan year.  Employees also receive an FSA card that can be used like a credit card for these purchases; the entire amount elected is available for use right away. 

Dependent Care Account: This is an optional benefit for full-time employees, which, if  selected, allows employees to gradually set aside tax-free income each paycheck to pay for dependent care costs like daycare. This reduces an employee's taxable income by the amount selected, up to $5,000 per plan year. 

Dental Insurance: Full-time employees and their families are covered with a basic dental plan,  which includes a $25.00 deductible per person, with a plan maximum of $1,000 per person, each calendar year. 

Vision Insurance: Full-time employees, spouses, and their dependents between 18 and 26 are covered for an eye exam and lenses (or contacts) each year, and frames every other year. (dependents under 18  covered under health insurance plan).

Life Insurance: Each employee is provided with $50,000 group term insurance. Additional  group rate insurance is available for employees and their spouses; there is a tiered life policy available for children  at a nominal fee.  

Short-Term Disability: This covers 60% of an employee's salary from the 30th day of disability up to six months. Employees may choose to add voluntary long-term disability at their date of hire. 

401(k) Profit-Sharing Plan: All employees receive a given percentage of employer contribution per year, funding permitted, and at the discretion of the Board. This is paid after an employee has worked 500 hours in a given year. There is a 5-year vestment schedule with the beginning vested interest starting at 2 years at 25%.  Employees may also make voluntary contributions to their 401(k) plans and choose how the money is invested. 

Vacation Leave: Employees accrue vacation hours each month up to the equivalent of 15 days per year for the first three years of employment. Employees then accrue leave up to the equivalent of 20 days per year until the 10th year of employment, at which time vacation leave hours will accrue at the maximum equivalent of 25 days per year. 

Personal Leave: Employees receive four days' worth of personal leave hours at the beginning of each calendar year to use throughout the year. 

Paid Holidays: Northwestern Legal Services observes twelve & a half (12.5) holidays throughout the calendar year, for which employees are paid, as long as the holiday falls on an employee's regular work day. 

Sick Leave: All staff accrue a day's worth of sick leave hours per month of employment.  

All insurances and benefits paid for or given by Northwestern Legal Services are subject to change depending upon budget considerations. The above fringe benefits are in effect as of this date. Updated: April 2023.

NORTHWESTERN LEGAL SERVICES PART-TIME BENEFITS

The following benefits are paid for by Northwestern Legal Services for part-time employees:

Retirement - 401 K Plan: Each employee is eligible for a given % of employer contribution per year, funding permitted, and at the discretion of the Board. This is paid after an employee has worked 500 hours in a given year. There is a 5-year vestment schedule with the beginning vested interest starting at 2 years at 25%.

Vacation Leave: Employees accrue vacation hours each month up to a maximum of 120 hours (15 work days) per year for the first (3) three years of employment. An employee then accrues leave up to a maximum of 160 hours (20 work days) per year until their 10th year of employment, at which time vacation leave hours will reach a maximum of up to 200 hours (25 days) per year.

Personal Leave: All employees are eligible for (4) days of personal leave each year beginning in January of each year.

Holidays: Northwestern Legal Services currently observes 12.5 holidays throughout the calendar year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve (½ day).

Sick Leave: Professional staff accrue (8) eight hours of sick leave per month of employment, and Support Staff accrue (7) seven hours of sick leave per month of employment. This is equivalent to (1) one work day per month.

All benefits paid for or given by Northwestern Legal Services are subject to change depending upon budget considerations. The above are the benefits effective as of this date. Updated: July 2025.