Violent Crime Initiative Attorney

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Essential Duties & Responsibilities: The court advocate will focus on providing in person court support, advocacy, and case management while working in partnership with other VCI staff. This position is also responsible for maintaining relationships with relevant lawyers and court staff, note taking in court, conducting assessments and intakes, inputting documentation/notes in databases, obtaining subpoenas, and providing court updates as necessary to VCI staff. This includes attending all court dates, being a strong advocate in court working with young people, working in partnership with lawyers, providing monthly court updates to YEAH staff, and overall assisting young people with getting out of the system. With a heavy focus on the legal system, the court advocate will assist young people with completing tasks that are beneficial to them and their individual situation. These responsibilities require case management skills and include helping young people obtain vital documents, coordinating mental health care, coordinating school reconnections, conducting home and school visits, assisting with medical appointments, etc. 

Job Requirements: Juris Doctor required, must be an active Pennsylvania bar member and in good standing. Minimum of three years’ experience providing direct legal representation to individuals involved in the juvenile and criminal legal system, including litigating complex felony cases; Jury trial experience preferred. Candidates must have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to the representation of individuals who cycle in and out of the system and aren’t able to afford an attorney. Must have the ability to adapt to changing needs of YEAH Philly and to work collaboratively with the staff at YEAH Philly. Must be able to travel to courtrooms, local and statewide facilities if needed. Candidates must have a demonstrated background and expertise of working with Black identifying teenagers and young adults and outstanding engagement with youth and young adults, providing outstanding advocacy and legal representation in systems, specifically the court system; demonstrated track record of successfully building healthy and trusting relationships with this population; candidates must be detail oriented, even as an attorney, have life and professional experience in social work, human services, a strong interest in social justice and the ability to grasp concepts around violence, race, and systems, as well as the ability to stand up against systems and advocate for the best interest of young people; excellent verbal and written communication skills; and excellent time management and organizational skills. Candidates must be willing to be part of larger policy, advocacy, and organizing efforts related to justice and legislative reforms. 

Those who identify racially or ethnically as Black or Brown and have been personally impacted by the criminal justice system or violence (directly or indirectly) are strongly encouraged to apply. Staff must approach youth communication with cultural humility, recognizing that urban dialect and vernacular are valid and legitimate forms of expression. Correcting, redirecting, or shaming a young person's natural way of speaking is not acceptable and is not aligned with YEAH's values. Candidates are expected to understand the power dynamics at play when adults police youth language, and to apply a trauma-informed lens that affirms rather than diminishes how young people express themselves. Youth are the experts of their own lives and that includes how they communicate. Harmful language, however, is never exempt, staff are expected to address and redirect it.

This position requires the ability to travel locally by SEPTA and or company vehicles. Candidates must be able to sit for extended periods of time in courtrooms and office settings, walk or stand for periods of time during community outreach and field work, and navigate various facilities including detention centers, schools, and community sites.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and build healthy, trusting relationships with teens and young adults and have them be part of their legal defense. 

• Handle all aspects of client representation in the Philadelphia Family Court for juvenile delinquency legal matters, including but not limited to status listings, preliminary hearings, motions, waiver trials, jury trials, interest of justice hearings, and violations of probation.

• Maintain and manage a juvenile caseload of those charged with a violent crime and those receiving services through YEAH Philly. 

• Draft, file, and argue all necessary motions and memoranda of law.

• Interview clients in person and over the telephone, at youth detention centers, state placements, and anywhere necessary. 

• Engage in holistic representation practices that assist the client in collateral matters that may impact the direct legal representation of the client.

• Maintain all documentation and utilize databases to provide written updates on progress. 

• Conduct legal visits with teens and young adults who are currently in custody, placements, or holding facilities. 

• Assist with policy drafting and legal memos as part of YEAH’s larger policy, advocacy, and organizing work. 

• Work with the VCI legal team and other staff members for updates and support for your clients. 

Additional Responsibilities:

• Emails are expected to respond to emails within 24 business hours.

• All other duties assigned

Company info

YEAH PHILLY