Senior Assistant Solicitor - Elder Law Attorney

County of Delaware, PA; Media (Delaware County); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Partial telework after probation

Job summary

County of Delaware, PA is seeking a Senior Assistant Solicitor to lead elder law matters in COSA’s Older Adult Protective Services Unit. The role includes advising COSA staff, preparing guardianship petitions, and guiding contracting and procurement reviews to ensure legal compliance.

The position requires a PA Bar admission, 5+ years of experience, and a commitment to public service. In-person work with partial remote flexibility is expected at COSA offices in Delaware County, PA.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school with 5+ years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar or eligible for waiver.
• Commitment to public service and strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Word, Outlook, and basic internet research.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to COSA staff and senior management.
• Represent COSA in legal actions and manage outside counsel when needed.
• Prepare guardianship and elder law petitions, including emergency and plenary proceedings.
• Review contracts, RFPs, and procurement documents for compliance with laws and COSA procedures.
• Educate professionals and Delaware County residents on elder care legal issues.
• Lead development of an Elder Abuse Prevention and Mitigation Task Force.

Skills

Analytical skills

Public service mindset

Communication skills

Diversity & inclusion

Legal research skills

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Tools

Word/Outlook

Internet research

Job description

Summary

Under the direction of the County Solicitor and Agency Director, this Senior Assistant Solicitor position serves as a COSA Elder Law Attorney and is responsible for performing and overseeing COSA’s legal work in the Older Adult Protective Services Unit and provides support and education to Delaware County residents on elder care and related legal matters. To a lesser extent, the Senior Assistant Solicitor will review contracts, right to know requests, and other legal matters involving COSA.

Essential Duties

• Work collaboratively as part of COSA’s executive and administrative management teams, providing legal advice and support to COSA staff.
• Provide legal counsel and representation to COSA’s (Older Adult) Protective Services department, preparing guardianship and other petitions as may be required (including emergency proceedings, plenary proceedings, trials, access and involuntary orders).
• Provide educational sessions to professionals as well as Delaware County residents related to Elder Law matters including, but not limited to, financial and healthcare powers of attorney, estate planning, financial exploitation.
• Draft and execute powers of attorney, as appropriate, on an as needed basis to COSA clients and Delaware County residents.
• Serve as the lead in developing and executing an Elder Abuse Prevention and Mitigation Task Force that addresses the exploitation of those aged 60 and over.
• Serve as the liaison and oversee the legal services contract.
• Provide legal counsel, compliance, drafting, and negotiation support for the COSA’s contracting process, including: Review Requests for Proposals to be released by COSA to assure compliance with existing laws and regulations; provide technical assistance as needed. Including advisement to staff on negotiation and bid processes.
• Review and/or draft contracts to be awarded by COSA to assure that format, language, and terms comply with existing laws, regulations and COSA procedures, and are in the interests of COSA.
• Review agreements, contracts and leases from outside agencies and organizations to assure that the interests of COSA are achieved.
• Review and provide legal advice to COSA staff concerning summonses and subpoenas; provide same to subcontractors as appropriate.
• Represent COSA in legal actions; engage, manage, and collaborate with outside counsel when appropriate.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school with at least five years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar or ability to waive into the bar.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong work ethic.
• Technical capabilities in Word, Outlook, and basic internet research skills.

Preferred

• Professional experience in a social service or health-related setting.
• Experience with elderly clients and/or human services.
• Legal training and/or experience in agency practice, maintenance, consumer issues and contracts, and/or housing disputes, including trial or motion practice experience.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and carry tasks to completion.
• Working knowledge of mental health, protective services, and guardianship law.

Additional Information

This is an in-person, full-time, exempt position with some remote flexibility. The primary workplace is located at the COSA Office at Baldwin Towers, 1510 Chester Pike, Suite 250, Eddystone, PA, with some work conducted at the Office of the Solicitor, located at 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA. Work responsibilities will occur largely during weekdays; however, some evening and weekend hours will be required in order to attend events and meetings, or to respond to urgent matters. Partial remote work (telework) is permitted and expected after successfully completing a probationary period.