Schedule: Full-Time | 35 Hours per Week
Location: Pittston, PA (Primary Location); placement in another NPLS office may be considered based on organizational needs and applicant qualifications

Build Your Legal Career While Expanding Access to Justice

North Penn Legal Services (NPLS) is seeking a Legal Fellow to join our team through the Martin Luther King Jr. Legal Fellowship Program. This fellowship provides recent law graduates and newly admitted attorneys with the opportunity to develop their legal skills through hands-on experience, meaningful client representation, and mentorship from experienced public interest attorneys.

The Legal Fellow will represent low-income individuals and families throughout Northeast Pennsylvania while gaining experience in litigation, advocacy, negotiation, legal research, and client counseling. This position offers the opportunity to build the skills needed to become an effective advocate while advancing NPLS’s mission of ensuring equal access to justice.

This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for candidates who are preparing for the Pennsylvania Bar Examination or have recently been admitted to practice.

Recent law school graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why Join NPLS?

As a Legal Fellow, you will have the opportunity to:

• Gain meaningful experience representing clients and advocating on their behalf
• Develop litigation, courtroom, legal writing, negotiation, and client counseling skills
• Receive mentorship from experienced public interest attorneys
• Participate in local, statewide, and national training opportunities
• Work a full-time, 35-hour schedule that supports work-life balance
• Access hybrid work opportunities in accordance with the NPLS Remote Work Policy following successful onboarding and eligibility requirements
• Explore student loan repayment assistance opportunities through PLAN and other qualifying loan forgiveness programs

The Martin Luther King Jr. Fellowship is expected to last up to two years, subject to available funding and organizational needs. The Fellow’s work will primarily focus on housing-related matters, including eviction defense, housing conditions, and habitability issues, as well as employment-related legal matters.

About North Penn Legal Services

North Penn Legal Services is a nonprofit civil legal aid organization serving 20 counties throughout Northeast Pennsylvania through nine regional offices. NPLS provides professional legal representation, advocacy, and community legal education to individuals and families who cannot otherwise afford legal assistance.

The Pittston office serves clients throughout Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming, and Sullivan counties and is home to a collaborative team of attorneys and paralegals committed to providing high-quality legal services.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or their designee, the Legal Fellow will:

• Interview clients and evaluate legal issues.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and correspondence.
• Assist with court proceedings, hearings, negotiations, and other advocacy efforts.
• Participate in community outreach and legal education initiatives.
• Collaborate with attorneys and staff to provide effective legal services and maintain accurate case records.

Law graduates awaiting admission to the Pennsylvania Bar may perform duties permitted under applicable law graduate or limited practice rules while under attorney supervision. Fellows admitted to practice in Pennsylvania may assume additional responsibilities consistent with their licensure.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in Pennsylvania or eligibility and scheduled registration to sit for the Pennsylvania Bar Examination.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated interest in public interest law and serving low-income or underserved communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior legal internship, judicial clerkship, law clinic, volunteer, or public service experience.
• Experience working with economically disadvantaged or vulnerable populations.
• Spanish language proficiency or other bilingual skills.

Compensation & Benefits

The Legal Fellow position offers a salary range of $58,965–$66,165 annually, commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave, personal leave, and holidays
• Professional development and continuing legal education opportunities
• Student loan repayment assistance and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for qualified employees
• Hybrid work opportunities for eligible employees in accordance with the NPLS Remote Work Policy

How to Apply

Please submit application materials to resumes@northpennlegal.org.

Applications should include:

• Resume
• Cover letter 
• A brief statement describing your interest in public interest law, how your experience aligns with NPLS’s mission, and how this fellowship supports your professional goals.

Reference: Pittston Legal Fellow – July 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

North Penn Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Except as required by Sections 1006(b)(6) and 1007(a)(8) of the Legal Services Corporation Act and Part 1616 of the Legal Services Corporation Regulations, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.