Staff Attorney – Director of Pro Bono and Public Interest Law, Penn State Dickinson Law (University Park or Carlisle locations)

The Pennsylvania State University

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Penn State University Park Dickinson Law, Carlisle Until 9/12/2026 4+ years exp First posted July 14, 2026 Last posted July 14, 2026
Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

 

 

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Dickinson Law is seeking a staff attorney to lead its public interest and pro bono activities. This position requires an active license to practice law in Pennsylvania. The position could be located in either of the law school’s two locations: Carlisle, Pennsylvania or University Park (State College), Pennsylvania.

The successful candidate will lead Penn State Dickinson Law’s Miller Center for Public Interest Law and Advocacy. This will include developing and leading the law school's public interest and pro bono programming. The attorney will supervise students who are engaged in providing pro bono legal services to clients through both external organizations and internal initiatives and will manage the law school’s Public Interest Scholars program.

The incumbent in this position will work with community legal services providers throughout Pennsylvania to develop academic-year and summer public interest and pro bono opportunities. This successful candidate will also work with other local, state, and national organizations to develop public interest externship, internship, and fellowship opportunities for current students and recent graduates. This person will also counsel students interested in pursuing careers in public interest.

The person in this role will manage the law school's IOLTA grant, including developing the grant proposal, serving as the grant principal investigator, managing the grant-funded programs, and preparing the semi-annual and annual reports. In addition, this person will assist with the law school’s Public Interest Law Fund activities.

This person may occasionally be asked to appear in court based on the work outlined above, or on behalf of the law school's legal clinics.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school

  • The ideal candidate will bring 4+ years of experience in legal practice or higher education, with 8+ years of experience preferred.

  • Legal practice in a public interest field, or similar experience at another law school.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Attorney - Law School - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Juris Doctor (JD)
6+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
Licensed Attorney - Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners

If filled as Attorney - Law School - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:
Juris Doctor (JD)
1+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
Licensed Attorney - Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners

 

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $91,488.00 - $154,452.00.

 

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

 

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

 

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About this role

Summary

Lead public interest law initiatives, supervise students, manage grants, develop externships, counsel students.

Job title

Staff Attorney – Director of Pro Bono and Public Interest Law

Experience level

4+ years

Minimum experience

4+ years exp

Industry

education

Location requirements

Penn State University Park or Carlisle; remote work not guaranteed.

Salary

$91k–$154k

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

Juris DoctorPennsylvania licensed attorneylegal practicepublic interest experiencegrant management

Preferred skills

public interestexternshipsfellowshipsstudent counseling

Specializations

public interestpro bonolegal practiceexterior legal servicesgrant management
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

University Park, State College, PA, USA

On-site City

Unknown location

On-site
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