Public Interest Staff Attorney (Hybrid)

Texas Access to Justice Foundation; San Angelo (TX); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Retirement plan

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) seeks a Staff Attorney to deliver high-quality civil legal services to low-income clients across multiple practice areas. The role emphasizes strategic advocacy, outreach, and collaboration with community partners to advance equal access to justice.

The attorney will handle daily representation, supervise staff, and ensure compliance with LSC regulations and LANWT policies while working in a hybrid setting in Texas.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Texas or awaiting Texas Bar reciprocity approval.
• Strong knowledge of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Rules of Evidence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload, think strategically, and implement projects effectively.
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts in plain language.
• Ability to handle interactions calmly and professionally with clients, colleagues, opposing counsel, and judges.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to de-escalate conflict and communicate effectively with clients, opposing parties, and colleagues in high-stress or emotionally charged situations.
• Strong work ethic, accountability, and professionalism.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Cultural competence and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and serving low-income communities.
• Reliable attendance and ability to engage in occasional travel throughout LANWT's service area.
• Ability to understand, apply, and stay current on LSC regulations, LANWT policies and procedures, and grant and funding compliance requirements.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality civil legal representation to low‑income clients.
• Interview clients and witnesses with cultural competence and trauma-informed practices.
• Conduct legal research, gather evidence, and advise clients of their legal rights and options.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Represent clients in court and before administrative or quasi‑judicial agencies.
• Manage a caseload involving significant litigation and justice‑related advocacy.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for clients and community partners.
• Design, develop, and participate in community legal education and outreach initiatives.
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with community organizations, particularly those serving low‑income and underserved populations.
• Collaborate with community partners to advance LANWT's mission of ensuring equal access to justice and improving the lives of low‑income communities.
• Participate in local, regional, and statewide networks, including those serving vulnerable populations.
• Participate in strategic advocacy efforts that advance LANWT's mission of ensuring equal access to justice and improving the lives of low‑income communities.
• Refer clients to appropriate services and resources within these networks.
• Attend evening and weekend legal clinics as needed.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of legal assistants, clerical staff, volunteers, or law students as assigned.
• Maintain a working knowledge of, and ensure compliance with, Legal Services Corporation (LSC) regulations, LANWT policies and procedures, and grant and funding requirements.
• Adhere to all applicable professional and ethical standards, including the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, the Texas Lawyer's Creed, and the ABA Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the managing attorney, deputy director, or CEO.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Communication skills

Caseload management

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Cultural competence

Spanish language

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Texas Bar admission

Job description

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) seeks a Staff Attorney to deliver high-quality civil legal services to low-income clients across multiple practice areas. The role emphasizes strategic advocacy, outreach, and collaboration with community partners to advance equal access to justice.

The attorney will handle daily representation, supervise staff, and ensure compliance with LSC regulations and LANWT policies while working in a hybrid setting in Texas.