Commonwealth Campus Staff Attorney

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