Benefits Attorney
MORGANTOWN, WV/Flexible
(Exempt Employee)
Purpose of Job
To provide high quality legal advice, representation, professional advocacy, and other appropriate legal services for low-income clients. LAWV is seeking an attorney to represent clients pursuing public benefits that include Social Security disability benefits, SNAP, Medicaid, Aged & Disabled Waivers and other types of government benefit programs. An ideal candidate should have experience practicing administrative law and a demonstrated understanding of both state and federal means-tested benefits. Work will include direct representation of clients in benefits cases, working with non-attorney case handlers, reviewing cases for appeal consideration, representation of clients when appropriate in appeals relating to public benefits, and providing statewide support to all 12 LAWV offices in their local benefits work. The attorney will work with clients and LAWV advocates across the state. Travel is required, though overnight travel will be limited. The position is currently located in Morgantown; however, LAWV will also consider exceptional candidates who are located elsewhere.
Scope of Responsibility
Work performed in the office setting, in the courts, in administrative law proceedings, and in the community.
Essential Job Functions
- Provide legal representation consistent with professional and LAWV organizational standards for the delivery of civil legal services to the poor.
- Prepare legal documents, advise clients, gather evidence necessary to formulate defenses or to initiate legal action. Conduct research, interview clients, and witnesses, investigate, and handle other details in preparation for trial. Prepare legal briefs, develop strategy, prepare arguments, and prepare testimony in connection with cases. Represent clients in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies. Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations.
- Maintain accurate and complete files or records.
- New attorneys shall receive mentorship, training and case reviews over the course of their first year.
- Attend and participate in substantive task forces focused on issues impacting our clients, like DHHR Benefits, Family Law, and Housing.
- Occasional night and weekend work hours; some local and out-of-town travel. Attorneys must be able to get to Court or Administrative hearings.
- Help LAWV engage the legal community and members of the Bar to provide free legal help to Legal Aid clients through pro bono work.
Job Requirements
- Must have demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents.
- Must have J.D. and be admitted to practice in West Virginia and in good standing or must be eligible for admission to the West Virginia Bar under West Virginia Supreme Court Rule 9 if admitted to practice in another state or must be eligible to take the next regularly scheduled West Virginia Bar Exam.
- Must have skills to use office technologies, including learning LAWV case management software.
- Must be able to balance administrative and client advocacy responsibilities.
Other Duties
- Attorneys will work with their supervisor to develop goals within program priorities and funding; and will work with their supervisor to identify individual training needs.
- Attorneys will timely prepare reports and complete forms and records necessary for client services or administrative tasks related to their job.
Salary and Benefits
The Attorney position is a salaried position with an annual starting salary range of $52,000 – $61,400. LAWV offers a generous benefits package, a 37.5-hour workweek, paid vacation leave and sick leave and health plan, as well as dental, vision, and life benefits. Staff also have the option to participate in a 403(b)-retirement plan and dependent and health flex savings accounts (FSA). LAWV is an eligible nonprofit employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
Whether you’re in town for a conference at the Waterfront Place Hotel, attending a WVU Football or Basketball game, or exploring the great outdoors, Morgantown is a city that has something for everyone. Morgantown is a lively and thriving small city an hour and a half south of Pittsburgh. Even though Morgantown is West Virginia’s largest college town, it offers diverse family-friendly events and activities year-round. You can check out a performance at the Met Theatre, paint your own pottery at the WOW Factory, or celebrate America in Morgantown with music, a parade, contests, and ending with a fabulous fireworks display over the Monongahela River.
If you are passionate about serving others and want to do rewarding work, please send your cover letter and resume to jobs@lawv.net. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
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