Staff Attorney - Texas Access to Justice Commission

State Bar of Texas • Austin, TX

9d

About The Position

The Staff Attorney assists the Executive Director of the Texas Access to Justice Commission with recommendations for developing, coordinating, and implementing initiatives to improve access to justice for low-income Texans. The role supports Commission programs and conducts legal research and analysis on matters related to reducing barriers to the judicial system. The Staff Attorney also monitors national access-to-justice developments and best practices relevant to Texas, works with diverse stakeholders, and prepares reports and other written materials. Occasional travel is required. Starting salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Requirements

• Licensed attorney.
• At least three years of legal experience; with approval of the Commission Chair and Executive Director, other experience relevant to the Commission’s work may substitute for up to one year of the required legal experience.
• Commitment to the Commission’s mission.
• Ability to be self-motivated and adaptable, and to work independently and as part of a team.
• Appropriate writing, editing, and presenting skills, including the ability to explain law, policy, and data in plain language to varied audiences.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and initiative.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, and ability to complete projects under time constraints.
• Appropriate experience using common computer programs.
• Ability to travel occasionally.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working for or with nonprofits, legislative bodies, courts, or other government entities is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing, coordinating, and implementing Commission programs, including legal training programs for legal aid lawyers and internship and training programs for law students.
• Conduct assigned legal research and draft legal memoranda, legislation, rules, policies, procedures, and other documents related to reducing barriers to the judicial system for low-income Texans.
• Attend legislative, committee, or court meetings and provide written reports to the Executive Director.
• Monitor national access-to-justice developments and recommended best practices relevant to Texas, and routinely report to the Executive Director; conduct national and statewide research and analysis of laws, legislation, case law, and policy affecting self-represented litigants.
• Assist in convening, organizing, and facilitating meetings of diverse stakeholders related to the Commission’s work.
• Help evaluate and draft agreements with diverse stakeholders regarding implementation of Commission-approved laws, policies, and procedures affecting low-income people in the civil justice system.
• Understand laws across practice areas that commonly affect low-income Texans and their effects on specific populations, including the elderly, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
• Prepare drafts of reports, articles, and applications as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed