Commonwealth Campus Staff Attorney

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University, Student Legal Services, is seeking a Staff Attorney to assist in providing legal services and educational programming for students across Commonwealth Campuses. The position will offer a flexible work arrangement combining remote and in-person work in State College, PA.

Responsibilities include providing legal advice, document drafting, and referrals, representing students in civil and limited criminal matters, and developing informational materials and

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) is required.
• Licensed Attorney - Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners is required.
• 3+ years of relevant experience for Advanced Professional designation; no prior experience required for Professional designation.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, consultation, and representation to students in civil and criminal matters.
• Gather and examine evidence.
• Analyze legal issues and research statutes, regulations, and university policies.
• Draft pleadings, subpoenas, complaints, discovery, motions, affidavits, memos and other documents; present and argue cases; negotiate settlements.
• Draft simple wills, living wills, and powers of attorney; provide notary service to students.
• Develop policies, procedures, and programs related to Student Services; monitor compliance.

Skills

Legal advice

Evidence gathering

Litigation support

Policy interpretation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Licensed Attorney - PA Board of Law Examiners

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and in-person work. The office is located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Application Requirements

Only complete applications will be considered. A complete application includes a resume or CV and a cover letter describing your interest in the position.

Position Overview

The Pennsylvania State University, Student Legal Services, is seeking a Staff Attorney to assist in providing legal services and educational programming for students from eligible Commonwealth Campuses. The Commonwealth Campus Staff Attorney will provide advice, document drafting, and referrals to students in a variety of legal matters, including, but not limited to, landlord-tenant disputes, planning documents, contract issues, consumer issues, and limited criminal matters. Representation may be provided in limited situations. Responsibilities also include the preparation of informational brochures and learning modules, the presentation of educational outreach materials, and marketing the service to the campuses. This position will be one of five attorneys in the Student Legal Services office and will be the primary attorney serving Commonwealth Campus students.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, consultation, and representation to students in both civil and criminal matters;
• Gather and examine evidence;
• Analyze legal issues;
• Research, interpret, and apply statutes, regulations, treaties, University policies, judicial decisions, and administrative opinions
• Determine conflicts of interest and provide referral information
• Represent students during litigation proceedings; determine strategy; draft and file pleadings and other documentation, including subpoenas, complaints, discovery, motions, responses, affidavits, memoranda, and agreements; present and argue cases; negotiate settlements
• Draft simple wills, living wills, and powers of attorney; provide notary service to students
• Help students complete legal forms such as expungement petitions
• Give public presentations; provide outreach to student groups and external organizations
• Develop policies, procedures, and programs related to Student Services; identify internal controls; provide mechanisms to monitor and enforce statutory, regulatory, and ethical mandates/compliance
• Keep abreast of changes in the law; review new statutes, regulations, and opinions; update office publications and processes; attend continuing legal education courses
• Provide oversight for the selection, training, and management of wage payroll and student externs

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Attorney - Student Services - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Juris Doctor (JD) 3+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: Licensed Attorney - Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners

If filled as Attorney - Student Services - Professional, this position requires: Juris Doctor (JD) No prior relevant work experience required Required Certifications: Licensed Attorney - Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $72,300.00 - $122,016.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.