Contract Staff Attorney - Equitable Development Initiative/EJP - Houston, TX

Lone Star Legal Aid • Houston, TX

5d

About The Position

Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) seeks one Contract Staff Attorney (JP# 001-2025) 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 designed to provide legal services to low-income residents in Texas communities affected by industrial expansion. Applicants must be able to gather evidence, conduct civil lawsuits, draft legal documents, and advise clients about their legal rights. Applicants must also be able to interview clients and witnesses, as well as handle other details in preparation for client legal representation. Applicants represent clients in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government. Applicants interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for clients and the client community. Applicants are involved with outreach, community education, and work with the community to further the mission of LSLA. Applicants may supervise and coordinate activities of subordinate legal, clerical, volunteer, or student workers. Applicants 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.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited Law School
• Licensed to practice in Texas or qualify for reciprocity
• 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
• The successful applicant must have reliable transportation in order to travel throughout all Texas counties served by LSLA.

Nice To Haves

• Prior legal services or public interest experience preferred
• Bilingual (Spanish & English) speaking/writing skills preferred

Responsibilities

• Gather evidence
• Conduct civil lawsuits
• Draft legal documents
• Advise clients about their legal rights
• Interview clients and witnesses
• Handle other details in preparation for client legal representation
• Represent clients in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for clients and the client community
• Involved with outreach, community education, and work with the community to further the mission of LSLA
• Supervise and coordinate activities of subordinate legal, clerical, volunteer, or student workers
• Handle a case load
• Major litigation
• Attend evening legal clinics
• Participate in community education

Benefits

• Medical Benefits
• Paid Leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees