Staff Attorney – Volunteer Lawyers Program

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands; Murfreesboro (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

HSAs

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

401k plan

Generous vacation/sick/holiday leave

Job summary

The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands seeks a Staff Attorney for its Volunteer Lawyers Program in Nashville. You will provide legal representation to income-eligible clients in civil matters and support volunteer attorneys with guidance, training, and case assistance.

The role may involve administrative advocacy, state and federal litigation, and community education, in line with LASMTC guidelines and the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor must be admitted to practice in Tennessee.
• Experience with civil legal aid, pro bono service, legal clinics, or volunteer attorney engagement.
• Excellent research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage shifting priorities and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality legal representation to individuals in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Review and supervise the work of support staff on behalf of the attorney’s clients.
• Participate in the firm’s community education program and help prepare materials.
• Work with private bar and LAS Volunteer Lawyer Program to promote involvement.
• Participate on internal committees and efforts to improve LAS operations.
• Perform other duties as requested by leadership.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Advocacy

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Time management

Detail oriented

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Windows OS

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands

We are seeking a Staff Attorney for our Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP) in Nashville. VLP connects income-eligible clients with volunteer attorneys through case placements, legal clinics, and other pro bono initiatives across LASMTC’s service area. The VLP Staff Attorney will provide legal representation to clients in varying areas of civil practice and support volunteer attorneys through legal guidance, training, and assistance on pro bono matters. As part of a holistic approach, representation may include administrative advocacy, litigation in state and federal courts, and community education for clients in accordance with LASMTC’s guidelines and priorities and the Rules of Professional Conduct. This position is funded in part by, and in collaboration with, one or more grants. Staff must adhere to goals and outcomes detailed in the grant contract. This position is funded for the duration of the grant and subsequent renewal may result in modification of job duties and responsibilities.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide high quality legal representation to individuals in accordance with the Rules of
  Professional Conduct.
• Review and supervise the work of support staff members done on behalf of the attorney’s
  clients and clients assigned to support staff.
• Participate in the firm’s community education program, by being available to speak with
  community groups and agency staff, suggesting ideas for and helping to prepare and update
  community education materials.
• Work with members of the private bar and the LAS Volunteer Lawyer Program to promote
  private bar involvement.
• Participate on internal committees, work groups, and other efforts to promote and improve LAS’
  operations.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Executive Director, Managing Attorney, or supervisor.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD).
• Admitted to practice in Tennessee, eligible for admission through reciprocity, or willing to take first available bar examination.
• Experience with or demonstrated interest in civil legal aid, pro bono service, legal clinics, or volunteer attorney engagement.
• Excellent research, writing, and advocacy skills include the ability to advocate in a clear, effective, and logical manner both orally and in writing.
• Manage shifting priorities and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, and Excel).
• Use a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
• Comfortable working across varying areas of civil law and providing legal guidance and support to volunteer attorneys.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with volunteer attorneys, the private bar, LASMTC staff, and community partners.
• Energetic team player who gets along well with others.
• Demonstrate a personal sense of integrity.
• Take ownership of projects and produce solid work product.
• Work as a member of a team independently, including willingness to help others (cooperative) and share knowledge, information, contacts, and experience.
• Address issues in a timely manner.
• Comfortable speaking in public and in front of other attorneys.

Additional Information

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance coverage effective 1 st of month after start of employment. Life Insurance, Healthcare Savings Account, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility, 401k plan, Generous Vacation/Sick/Holiday Leave.