Commonwealth Campus Staff Attorney

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University’s Student Legal Services seeks a Staff Attorney to assist students from Commonwealth Campuses with a range of civil and criminal matters. The role involves advice, document drafting, and referrals, and may include limited representation.

The attorney will serve as primary counsel for Commonwealth Campus students, preparing informational materials and delivering educational outreach while collaborating with a team of attorneys.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) required for admission to practice law.
• 3+ years of relevant legal experience preferred.
• Licensed Attorney - Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners required.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, consultation, and representation to students in civil and criminal matters; gather and examine evidence; analyze issues and apply statutes and regulations.
• Determine conflicts of interest and provide referrals; represent students in litigation and draft/file pleadings, motions, and other documents.
• Draft wills, living wills, and powers of attorney; provide notary service to students.
• Assist students with completing legal forms such as expungement petitions.
• Deliver public presentations and outreach to student groups and external organizations.
• Develop policies and programs for Student Services and ensure compliance with legal mandates.

Skills

Legal research

Client counseling

Drafting documents

Litigation support

Notary services

Public presentations

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Licensed Attorney - Pennsylvania

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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.

Duties may include:

• 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 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.

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