Job Description

Description:

Vermont Legal Aid seeks full-time Staff Attorney/Experienced Paralegal for Medical-Legal Partnership

General responsibilities: interview prospective clients, assess legal problems, and provide legal advice; individual and systems advocacy in a variety of forums on behalf of clients; conduct factual investigations and analysis; legal research; prepare briefs and argue appeals; become proficient in law handled by the specific law project. See .

We encourage applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, and welcome information about how your experience can contribute to serving our diverse client communities. Applicants are encouraged to share in their cover letter how they can further our goals of social justice and individual rights. VLA and LSV are equal opportunity employers committed to a discrimination-and-harassment-free workplace. Please see our .

Starting attorney salary is $59,800/experienced paralegal is $44,200+, with additional salary credit given for relevant prior work experience. Four weeks paid vacation and retirement, as well as excellent health benefits. Attorney applicants must be licensed to practice law in Vermont, eligible for admission by waiver, or have passed the UBE with a Vermont passing score. This position is based in our Burlington office. In-state travel in a personal vehicle required.

Requirements:

Essential Functions

VLA\'s Medical-Legal Partnership Project (MLP) is a team of dedicated advocates who work together in partnership with medical professionals to address health-harming legal needs by looking upstream to address legal problems before they become emergencies. The MLP staff attorney works with local medical providers, training and responding to questions from social workers and medical providers, and provides legal advice and representation to patients referred by the providers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Interview prospective clients, assess legal problems, and identify appropriate legal advice and next steps.
• Conduct factual investigation and analysis, and legal research when appropriate.
• Prepare legal documents, pleadings, and motions.
• Communicate with clients as needed and in accordance with applicable rules.
• Represent clients in the courts, before administrative agencies, and in other appropriate forums.
• Provide information and advice to clinic staff.
• Train clinic staff to spot legal problems affecting patients\' health.
• Prepare briefs and argue appeals in Vermont courts.
• Where appropriate, identify and pursue systemic reform issues.
• Become proficient in all areas of law assigned by the MLP Director.
• Maintain all client files, records, and other data as required in the case management system.
• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous timekeeping for all work activities.
• Carry out administrative responsibilities as a VLA employee in a prompt and thorough manner (including following payroll and reimbursement request procedures), as well as grant-related data and document requirements.
• Produce written material for publication as required by the Director.
• Strategize with MLP staff on ways to better serve MLP clients.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law by the State of Vermont or eligible to waive into the Vermont bar
• Experience working with disadvantaged clients and meaningful practice experience in state courts
• Working knowledge of mortgage foreclosure, housing, and/or consumer law preferred though not required
• Commitment to social justice and housing access for all
• Experience and/or commitment to working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to working in a collaborative, team-based setting
• Ability and willingness to make decisions and solve problems creatively under tight deadlines
• High level of initiative and ability to plan
• Demonstrable organizational skills in managing complex workload

To Apply:

Application deadline is August 7, 2023. Your application should include a cover letter and resume, bar status (attorney only), writing sample, and three professional references with contact information, sent as a single PDF. Send your application by e-mail to , include in the subject line your name and \xe2\x80\x9cVLA MLP Attorney\xe2\x80\x9d August 2023. Please let us know how you heard about this position.

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