Website and Client Ed Staff Attorney

Pine Tree Legal Assistance

Website and Client Ed Staff Attorney

Location: Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, Bangor, Machias or Presque Isle; Hybrid remote

Pine Tree Legal Assistance has an immediate opening for a full-time Website and Client Ed Staff Attorney in its Access to Justice unit. This position, which can be housed in any of Pine Tree Legal's 6 statewide offices, is primarily responsible for the creation and maintenance of legal information and legal tools that utilize current and emerging technology to amplify and support the impact of the direct representation, advice, and advocacy roles performed by other staff, primarily through two of Pine Tree Legal Assistance’s three websites, PTLA.org and KIDSLEGAL.org.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance is Maine’s oldest and largest civil legal aid provider. Our mission is to ensure that state and federal laws affecting poor people are upheld, while also addressing the systemic barriers to justice faced by Mainers with low incomes. To achieve our mission, we provide free civil legal assistance to fellow Mainers; to make a difference in one’s ability to meet one’s basic human needs, or in enforcing one’s basic human rights.

The Website and Client Education Staff Attorney creates and maintains legal information and legal tools that utilize current and emerging technology to amplify and support the impact of the direct representation, advice, and advocacy roles performed by other staff, primarily through two of Pine Tree Legal Assistance’s three websites, PTLA.org and KIDSLEGAL.org. The Website and Client Education Staff Attorney is a member of Pine Tree Legal Assistance’s Access to Justice Unit and works in conjunction with the Client Education Coordinator, Veterans Unit Managing Attorney (who manages StatesideLegal.org) and the Director of Access and Training to maintain and improve Pine Tree’s websites and other client-focused technology to educate and empower clients and the public to be able to approach their civil legal problems, with or without a lawyer.

SPECIFIC WORK EXPECTATIONS:
The Website and Client Ed Staff Attorney work collaboratively with the Director of Access and Training and the Access to Justice team to maintain Pine Tree’s tradition of high-quality websites and client education tools.

• Knowledge or ability to learn Drupal to help maintain and improve the function of PTLA.org and KIDSLEGAL.org including cleanup, updates, testing, and monitoring;


• Knowledge or the ability to learn DocAssemble and other current and emerging technology to maintain and develop high quality client education tools;


• Knowledge of Google Analytics;
  Knowledge of website and other accessibility best practices to ensure accessibility to all websites and tools for people with disabilities;.
  Ability to write in plain language and explain complicated legal concepts in easy-to-read materials; 


• Knowledge of language access tools and approaches and the ability to address the language needs of Pine Tree’s client populations;


• Knowledge or the ability to learn about legal issues facing Pine Tree Legal’s target client populations and think creatively about ways to address the legal issues through technology;


• Ability to think creatively and develop new legal information and legal tools;


• Ability to connect and work collaboratively with the national legal aid technology community and local legal aid organizations;


• Ability to work collaboratively with Pine Tree Legal staff on website and client education tool projects;


• Ability to work collaboratively with outside vendors, like Pine Tree Legal’s contracted developers;


• Manage time and priorities in an effective manner; and Share responsibility for general office needs including mail, answering the door, facilities issues, and other needs that may arise.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
The Website and Client Education Staff Attorney is expected to be a valued contributor and supportive colleague to other office members and the program. The ideal candidate will be creative and hardworking, enjoy writing and collaborating with others, be detail-oriented, and motivated by the organization’s mission.

• Juris Doctor and licensed to practice law in Maine, or eligible under MRCP 11 (c);


• Positive outlook and approach to the work;


• Strong attention to detail and accuracy;


• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) with particular attention to clarity, tone, and audience;


• High level of organization with excellent time management skills;


• Skilled at prioritizing work effectively and able to handle multiple competing responsibilities;


• Familiarity with Drupal, DocAssemble, Microsoft Office products, Canva (or other design software), and willingness to learn new technology as products emerge;


• Desire to contribute to and maintain Pine Tree’s high standards for excellence;


• Ability to work cooperatively and establish positive working relationships with community partners and agencies; and


• Ability to work independently and as a team.

The attorney must be admitted to the practice of law in Maine or be eligible for licensure with the Maine Bar and able to practice under MRCP 11 (c) while working at Pine Tree. Previous litigation experience is preferred. A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel throughout Maine is required. Applicant must reside in, or be willing to relocate to, the state of Maine. This is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act.   

Compensation and Benefits 

The salary range for PTLA attorneys and other exempt staff is currently $71,920 - $108,920, depending on experience.

In addition, PTLA is proud to offer the following:

Employer-paid health insurance with a generous HRA contribution, generous health insurance opt-out benefit, employer-paid dental insurance, employer-paid life and disability insurance, and an annual contribution to a 403(b)-retirement plan. Other voluntary options include vision and expanded life insurance. Staff enjoy 12 paid holidays, paid parental leave, and generous vacation, floating holidays, and sick leave.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to employing and supporting individuals who are passionate about social justice and have relevant work experience, regardless of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, religion, familial status or experience with poverty, receipt of public assistance, or homelessness.