This is a job listing for Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
Position Summary
The Legal Director oversees the legal department and all activities related to the department, as well as providing technical assistance, legal resources and training to systems professionals who are working on behalf of victims of sexual assault, abuse and harassment.
The Legal Director serves as the Managing Supervisor of the Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project, providing supervision to staff attorneys, paralegal, administrative and other team members. The Legal Director also represents the Coalition in amicus filings that directly and systemically impact survivors of sexual assault, abuse and harassment.
Additionally, the Legal Director provides a wide range of services, including legal research and analysis, information and data, referral, problem-solving assistance, systems and organizational development, networking, and resource development. The Legal Director will develop written materials on a wide range of sexual assault legal issues, develop practice tools, including case law summaries, legislative updates and analyses, system and representation guidelines and promising practices to the above listed constituents.
The Legal Director will also be called upon to develop and provide training on topics identified by PCAR and/or its constituent audiences. The Legal Director will collaborate with members of other internal and external groups addressing the issues of sexual assault in the courtroom and in communities throughout Pennsylvania.
Values Statement
PCAR understands sexual violence as a social justice issue and works to prevent and respond to sexual violence within this framework. We are committed to nurturing a workplace that is affirming, inclusive, and respectful of all people and the ways in which they identify across race, class, ability, gender, sexual orientation, age, and other characteristics.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Supervision of the Legal Department
Directly supervises paralegal, staff attorneys, project staff and interns, carrying out all supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws governing attorney work product. Responsibilities include interviewing, training interns; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; monitoring grant compliance, submitting required grant reports and grant applications.
- Legal Research and Writing
- Provide analysis of case law, statutes, rules, policies, legislation and legal trends relating to their effect on victims of sexual assault. Develop concise written materials that convey essential information to target audiences as identified.
- Assume responsibility for assuring the utility and integrity of all legal materials developed and distributed by the Training & Technical Assistance Department.
- Engage in critical thinking and writing that contributes to the identification of emerging changes in the law or rules that may affect the needs of victims of sexual violence.
- Technical Assistance
- The assignments to the Legal Director will place emphasis on developing written resources and technical assistance activities. Technical Assistance activities include, but are not limited to all of the following:
- Provide information, referral, and problem-solving assistance to the target audiences described in the Position Summary above on various civil and criminal legal issues including sexual violence protection order (SVPO), Title IX and mandated reporting.
- Research and assist in the development of databases, papers, memos, and technical assistance packets on prioritized issues pertaining to sexual violence.
- Build coalitions with outside partners, to include organizations and initiatives both with and without a primary focus on sexual violence.
- Serve as a resource to all coalition staff in the development and provision of technical assistance activities.
- Technical Assistance
- Develop and deliver, as assigned, professional education for lawyers, law students, and advocates to enhance the accessibility of quality civil legal advocacy and representation for victims of sexual violence.
- Develop and deliver, as assigned, high-quality education for judges and the minor judiciary, court personnel, prosecutors, and law enforcement to ensure that the civil and criminal justice systems’ responses to victims of sexual violence are consistent with state and federal law and properly prioritize the safety and confidentiality of victims and offender accountability.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Commitment to trauma informed, comprehensive legal service provision
- Litigation as well as supervisory experience
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Experience in legal research, both electronic and paper-based
- Understanding of issues of cultural and socioeconomic diversity as they apply to sexual violence prevention, intervention and services
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience of planning, developing and implementing training and technical assistance specifically related to sexual violence, including the assessment of need, the development and delivery of resources, consultation and services and follow-up and evaluation.
To Apply
PCAR offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by March 31, 2021.