Staff Attorney - Crime Victims

TEXAS LEGAL SERVICES CENTER•Austin, TX

About The Position

Texas Legal Services Center’s Crime Victims Program provides direct legal services to victims of violent crime, including legal advice and referrals by phone, court representation, and advocacy for victims navigating the criminal justice system. Depending on program needs, this position provides trauma-informed services through legal advice and referrals, litigation, and advocacy for victims’ rights in criminal cases and parole proceedings. The role may also support TLSC’s Legal Aid for Survivors of Sexual Assault (LASSA) network by providing statewide intake and referrals to partner organizations for survivors with legal needs stemming from sexual assault or abuse. The attorney is expected to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards as a member of the State Bar, adhere to the American Bar Association Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid, support TLSC’s mission, and comply with applicable grant requirements, regulations, standards, policies, and confidentiality requirements. This is a grant-funded position.

Requirements

J.D. degree.
Licensure by the Supreme Court of Texas at least one week before the actual start date.
Current knowledge of and expertise in the law and legal system.
High-level organizational skills.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong time management and attention to detail.
Proficiency with, or ability to learn, LegalServer, Adobe, and Microsoft Office products.
Understanding of grant requirements and associated reporting needs.
Ability to travel to out-of-town locations, often including overnight stays.
Ability to work with clients in a patient, trauma-informed, and non-judgmental manner.
Comfort working in both a hotline and litigation environment.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience assisting victims of crime, particularly victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, in a legal setting.
Experience making presentations to large audiences.
Fluency in Spanish, including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding spoken Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide eligible clients with legal advice, assistance, referrals, and representation, including representation in court hearings and administrative proceedings, in a compassionate, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and victim-centered manner.
Conduct intake interviews, confirm eligibility, check for conflicts of interest, and take appropriate action to address clients’ legal problems.
Conduct legal research and analysis, communicate with third parties, and draft and file legal documents.
Build working relationships with internal colleagues, network partners, and community and statewide social services agencies to advance program and organizational goals.
Lead or assist statewide and local education efforts, including developing, presenting, or participating in public speeches and trainings for law enforcement and volunteers.
Travel, sometimes frequently and including to locations outside Austin, to address client issues, further education efforts, or meet with partner agencies.
Assist clients with the Texas Statewide Automated Victim Notification System (SAVNS) and applications for Crime Victims’ Compensation.
Provide information to clients and make referrals where appropriate.
Maintain orderly client, project, and computer files.
Provide information requested or needed for TLSC reporting promptly.
Perform special projects as assigned.