Staff Attorney

Job Description

Job Title: Staff Attorney

Job Location: Philadelphia, PA Job

Type: Legal – Civil

Organizational Information:

The Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) exists to meet the legal and advocacy needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. With a staff of 16 lawyers, paralegals and administrative professionals and a corps of 400 volunteer lawyers, paralegals, and law students, HAP engages in direct outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in need of legal services. Established in 1990, the Homeless Advocacy Project is the only legal services organization dedicated to providing direct civil legal services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia.

Position Description:

HAP is seeking a staff attorney who will be expected to represent individuals experiencing homelessness in a variety of civil legal matters, with an emphasis on Social Security disability cases as part of HAP’s SOAR Project, as well as advice and representation in matters relating to identification documents, record clearing, eviction judgments, family law matters, and general advocacy related to shelter access. In addition to handling an active caseload, the attorney will be expected to:

• Staff and administer in-person legal clinics at emergency housing sites and other locations around the city multiple times per month;
• Supervise, assist, and support volunteers handling civil legal matters for HAP clients;
• Implement substantive and ethical training programs, including CLE classes for volunteer advocates;
• Assist with case tracking and maintenance of the legal database;
• Create internal and external education materials and conduct trainings about timely legal issues impacting HAP’s client community for community partners;
• Assist with training and supervising summer interns and clinical students;
• Regularly participate in HAP’s general intake system by providing advice and information to call-in and walk-in clients;
• Work with the Legal and Advocacy Director to analyze and respond to relevant federal, state, and local policy initiatives and legislation and otherwise address systemic issues that impact persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless;
• Participate in relevant committee meetings of the Philadelphia Bar Association and other community coalitions to address issues impacting HAP clients;
• Collaborate with staff and HAP’s Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic plans and support the general development-related activities of the organization;
• Speak at law schools, bar functions, other community events about HAP’s work and volunteer opportunities; and
• Serve as a resource on issues of poverty law for HAP volunteers and service providers.

Minimum Requirements:

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited university and licensed to practice law in PA;
• Experience engaging with or working on behalf of low-income individuals and disenfranchised communities;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Capacity to identify and develop creative solutions to engage and meet the legal needs of hard-to-reach client communities;
• High level of analytical and problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail;
• Ability to independently maintain own caseload and assist volunteer advocates;
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and work with minimal supervision;
• Understanding of and sensitivity to issues of low-income and homeless communities; and
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and database case management.

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience working on behalf of vulnerable populations.
• Spanish speaking a plus.

How to Apply:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, candidates are urged to submit their materials ASAP but no later than January 26, 2026. Please include a current resume and a letter detailing your interest in the position, your qualifications, and what you hope to contribute to the organization.

Please submit materials electronically to Careers@haplegal.org in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

Salary is commensurate with experience based on a competitive public interest salary scale.

Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, term life, short- and long-term disability, 403(b) retirement plan, and generous paid time off and holidays.

No phone calls, recruiters or drop-ins please.

Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, citizenship, genetic information, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• license to practice law Pennsylvania (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Philadelphia, PA 19102