Contract Staff Attorney - Eviction Right to Counsel Project - Houston, TX

Lone Star Legal Aid; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated non-profit firm as a Contract Staff Attorney focused on eviction rights. This role is crucial for helping vulnerable populations navigate legal challenges and ensuring their rights are upheld. You'll engage in civil lawsuits, draft necessary legal documentation, and provide vital legal advice to clients. The position requires strong legal skills, a commitment to client service, and the ability to work under pressure. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while working within a supportive team environment. If you're passionate about justice and community advocacy, this role is for you.

Benefits

Medical Benefits

Paid Leave

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Law School and licensed to practice in Texas.
• Strong legal writing and oral communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Gather evidence, conduct lawsuits, and draft legal documents for clients.
• Represent clients in court and provide community education.

Skills

Legal writing

Oral communication

Client service orientation

Interviewing skills

Problem solving

Negotiation

Bilingual (Spanish & English)

Education

Graduate of an accredited Law School

Licensed to practice in Texas

Job description

Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) seeks one Contract Staff Attorney - Eviction Right to Counsel Project (JP# HOU 007-2024) for its Houston Branch Office.

LSLA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit law firm and its mission is to protect and advance the civil rights of low-income Texans by providing advocacy, legal representation, and community education that ensure equal access to justice.

These are one-year contract Staff Attorney positions created to assist vulnerable populations facing eviction. This project will strengthen the community response for low income and income-unstable tenants.

Summary of Responsibilities

Staff Attorney must be able to gather evidence, conduct civil lawsuits, draft legal documents, and advise clients about their legal rights. Staff Attorney must also be able to interview clients and witnesses, as well as handle other details in preparation for client legal representation. LSLA Staff Attorney represents clients in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government. The applicant interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for clients and the client community. The applicant is involved with outreach, community education, and works with the community to further the mission of LSLA. The successful applicant may supervise and coordinate activities of subordinate legal, clerical, volunteer, or student workers. The applicant will be expected to handle a caseload, major litigation, attend evening legal clinics, and participate in community education. Bilingual (Spanish & English) speaking/writing skills preferred.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Graduate of an accredited Law School

• Licensed to practice in Texas or qualify for reciprocity

• Prior legal services or public interest experience preferred

Minimum Skills and Abilities

• Strong legal writing and oral communication skills

• Demonstrated client service orientation

• Skilled in interviewing, assessment, problem solving and negotiation

• Strong ability to work under pressure and make decisions quickly

• Demonstrated ability to aggressively pursue the rights of the client community

• Energetic, motivated, and self-starter

Location: Eviction Right to Counsel Project-Greater Houston Area Branch Office. The successful applicant must have reliable transportation to travel throughout all Texas counties served by this office.

Medical Benefits

Paid Leave

Lone Star Legal Aid is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status.