Victim Services Attorney

Denton County Friends of the Family•Corinth, TX

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Denton County Friends of the Family Legal Services Program provides direct legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, which includes providing legal advice and referrals in person and on virtual platforms, representing victims in court, and advocating on behalf of victims who are navigating the criminal justice system. Depending on the needs of the program, this position will provide trauma-informed services to victims through providing legal advice and referrals in person and on virtual platforms, representing clients in litigation, advocating for the rights of victims in criminal cases and parole proceedings. This is a hybrid remote position. The attorney in this position 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; embrace and support DCFOF’s overall mission; and comply with all grant requirements, regulations, standards, policies, and confidentiality requirements. Reports to: Executive Program Director of Legal Services Supervises: Assigned Interns and Volunteers

Requirements

Licensed to practice in the State of Texas
Commitment to working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the practice of family law and family violence, stalking, and sexual assault protective orders.
Bilingual (Spanish) Oral and Written preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice, assistance, referrals and representation, where applicable, to eligible clients in a compassionate, culturally-sensitive, trauma-informed, and victim-centered manner. This includes representing clients in court hearings and administrative proceedings
Conduct intake interviews, confirm eligibility for services, check for conflicts of interest, and take appropriate action to address the client’s legal problem
Perform research and analysis, communicate with third parties, and draft and file legal documents.
Cultivate working relationships, both internally and with network partners and other social services agencies in the community and statewide, to advance program and organizational goals
Lead or assist with promoting education efforts statewide and in local programs, including developing, presenting, or participating in public speeches trainings aimed at law enforcement, attorneys in private practice, court personnel, child welfare professionals and volunteers
Travel to locations within and outside of Denton County to address client issues, further education efforts, or meet on partner agency matters
Provide information to clients and make referrals where appropriate
Supervises and/or works with legal paraprofessionals as assigned
Complies with all case reporting requirements, including timekeeping, case activities, legislative and rulemaking, private attorney involvement, community education presentations, etc.
Keeps current on the state of the law and procedures within areas of law ordinarily handled by the Agency’s Legal Department.
Participates in other activities related to poverty law, including publication, permissible legislative and rulemaking activities, media relations in accordance with DCFOF policy and applicable laws and regulations
Commensurate with experience, consults, guides and answers questions of other staff members
Fulfills all requirements necessary to remain in good standing with the State Bar and the Supreme Court of Texas, including but not limited to, compliance with the minimum requirements for Continuing Legal Education
Attends and/or coordinates clinics or other events as requested by the Director of Legal Services
Preserve and enhance the Agency’s image in the community through all interactions
At every opportunity, inform community members of services available to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking through the Agency
Participate in DCFOF staff and education meetings as requested
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by staff assigned to this position. This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.