Staff Attorney - Rural Justice Initiative - Rural Locations

Lone Star Legal Aid; Belton (TX); On-site; USD 78,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

Paid leave & holidays

Retirement plan 6% contrib

CLE & professional development

Loan repayment assistance

Flexible spending account

Paternal & family leave

Job summary

Lone Star Legal Aid seeks a Staff Attorney for Rural Justice Initiative across multiple Texas branch offices. The role involves civil lawsuits, client counseling, and evidence gathering to protect civil rights of low-income Texans.

The attorney may supervise staff and must handle a case load, attend evening clinics, and participate in community education. Bilingual Spanish & English preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong legal writing and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated client service orientation.
• Skilled in interviewing, assessment, problem solving and negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Gather evidence and conduct civil lawsuits.
• Draft legal documents and advise clients on rights.
• Interviews clients and witnesses; prepares for representation.
• Represents clients in court and before government agencies.
• Engages in outreach and community education; supports mission.

Skills

Legal writing

Oral communication

Client service

Interviewing

Negotiation

Decision making

Rights advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) seeks a Staff Attorney - Rural Justice Initiative for its Belton, Bryan, Beaumont, Conroe, Clute, Longview, Nacogdoches, Paris, Texarkana, Tyler, and Waco Branch Offices.

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.

Salary Range: $78,000 – $130-000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

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 case load, 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-started

Location: Belton, Bryan, Beaumont, Conroe, Clute, Longview, Nacogdoches, Paris, Texarkana, Tyler, and Waco Branch Offices: The successful applicant must have reliable transportation to travel throughout all Texas counties served by this office.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision — 100% Employer-Paid Options Available
• Generous Paid Leave & Holidays
• Retirement Plan with 6% Employer Contribution
• Continuing Education (CLE) & Professional Development
• Professional Development
• Loan Repayment Assistance (Attorneys & Law Graduates Only)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paternal & Family Leave