Staff Attorney 2 (Children and the Law, two positions)
The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.
The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.
The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.
Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Job Summary/General Purpose of Job
The ABA Center on Children and the Law is seeking to fill two Staff Attorney 2 positions. One position will be focused on national level policy and practice issues related to education and foster care. The second position is focused on work with the state of Pennsylvania related to education and foster care, as well as some work related to legal representation in child welfare matters. The attorneys will conduct substantive legal work centered on supporting the educational success of students in foster care as well as grant projects focused on access to justice for children, youth, and parents. These roles will include provision of training and technical assistance to the child welfare, court, and education systems and other stakeholders, implement policies related to child welfare and education and related topics, and influence practice. These roles do not involve direct legal representation. One position will involve specific work supporting counties in Pennsylvania. The other position will involve working on national policy and practice issues. Please specify which position (or both) you are interested in via your cover letter.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities
-Advise on substantive child welfare and education law topics and make policy and practice recommendations as part of our state project work. Includes contacts with government entities in state government as well as extensive collaboration with other organizations and partners in the state of Pennsylvania.
-Give presentations and training on child welfare and education law and public policy topics, facilitate stakeholder groups, design, and deliver content.
-Work directly with state agency leaders, judges, lawyers, social workers, education agency leaders and staff, and kin providers.
-Analyze laws, regulations, court rules and policies/policy proposals; prepare memoranda of law; advise on public policy; provide legal guidance; provide and deliver content for online and in person learning experiences.
-Work on policy and practice related to engagement of people with lived expertise in the system, including parents, young people who were in foster care and kinship caregivers.
-Supervised by a Senior Attorney and may supervise more junior attorneys and/or other staff.
-Other duties as assigned.
Required Education, Qualifications, Experience
JD and admission to the bar in at least one jurisdiction. At least 4 years working in relevant specialized area of law. High level of skills in legal writing and research, oral and written communications, meeting facilitation, and organizational skills. Substantial experience in child welfare and education law and policy analysis. Experience representing students in foster care in either the education or child welfare system strongly preferred, as well as experience practicing in PA. Special consideration given to candidates with lived expertise related to the child welfare or juvenile justice system.
Applicants are encouraged to describe applicable experience in a cover letter.
COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment (requests for reasonable accommodations for medical or religious reasons will be considered).