Attorney

SVLAS is seeking to hire a part-time staff attorney to provide comprehensive legal services to low-income persons.
This attorney will work from our Marion Field Office.
SVLAS is located in the southwest corner of Virginia between Virginia Tech and Bristol Motor Speedway.
The region offers small communities with outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, kayaking, ATV trails and camping; in addition to cultural activities and festivals including art, theater and music.
For a description of the region, visit *www.
visitswva.
org.
* This attorney will provide a full range of civil legal services.
Knowledge of housing law, consumer law, or bankruptcy law is a plus.
_T_he attorney should have a credible interest in serving low-income people; should have a passion for equal justice; have excellent interpersonal skills; and be a licensed Virginia attorney with a valid driver license.
We strongly prefer to hire attorneys with at least two or more years of experience, but others may apply.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
The beginning full-time salary range for this position is $60,000 to $65,000, DOE.
The salary for part-time employment will be pro-rated.
Employees who work 30 or more hours per week are provided excellent fringe benefits including health insurance, retirement, general leave and training expenses.
Student loan repayment assistance may also be available, also on a pro-rated basis.
*Apply by email to Joseph Carico, Executive Director.
For details and email address - go to www.
svlas.
org/Employment* *Please include:* *1.
A letter describing your interest in the position * *2.
Your current resume; and* *3.
Three professional references and their contact information.
* All applicants, even unsuccessful ones, will be advised as our hiring process concludes.
*Job Description: Staff Attorney * QUALIFICATIONS: * Must be licensed and in good standing with the Virginia State Bar.
* Strong skills in communication, legal analysis and problem solving.
* Interest and background with housing, consumer, and bankruptcy law is a plus.
* An understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence and the impact of geographic isolation upon low-income people, the elderly, and the working poor.
* Ability to develop effective rapport with clients * Ability to work as a team member with other program staff.
* Ability to work as a team member with staff from other community programs.
* Satisfactory clearance of required criminal background check.
* Commitment to the mission of Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society.
* A credible interest in living and working in Southwest Virginia.
DUTIES: * Representation focusing on protecting the rights of tenants, access to/preservation of affordable and decent housing, maintaining benefits and redressing unfair housing practices, among others.
* Maintain individual caseload commensurate with experience.
* Treat clients with dignity and respect and maintain client confidentiality.
* Work as a team member with other program staff in establishing and carrying out program priorities and maintaining the integrity of our client database.
* Participate in planning and implementation of project outreach and community education programs.
* Participate in continuing legal education * Confer regularly with Supervising Attorney(s) concerning case status.
Job Type: Part-time Pay: From $60,000.
00 per year Expected hours: 10 – 30 per week Benefits: * Flexible schedule * Loan forgiveness Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Monday to Friday Work Location: In person