Staff Attorney - VLAP

Position Summary:

The staff attorney is responsible for providing general civil legal advice, assistance, or representation to eligible clients.

This 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 TLSC’s overall mission; and comply with all grant requirements, regulations, standards, policies, and confidentiality requirements.

Funding: This is a grant funded position.

Essential Functions:

• Provide high quality legal advice and assistance primarily over the telephone to eligible clients and client organizations in a compassionate, culturally appropriate, and trauma-informed manner.

• Analyze legal and societal problems and devise savvy strategic plans to eliminate social injustices while often utilizing outside-the-box thinking.

• Execute intake interviews, confirm eligibility for services and check for conflicts of interest according to TLSC policy.

• Communicate with third parties, media, and public on behalf of clients to resolve legal problems and to advocate on behalf of clients and the TLSC mission.

• Prepare for, attend, assist, argue, and conduct depositions, hearings, trials, and appeals.

• Travel to designated counties in the state of Texas to conduct outreach and clinic activities, and legal representation.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Competencies: 

• Current knowledge and expertise of the law and legal system, especially in areas that impact senior citizens, Medicare, Medicaid, housing, and other public benefits.

• High-level organizational skills.

• Exceptional listening, verbal, and written communications skills.

• Strong time management and attention to detail.

• Proficiency with (or the ability to learn) LegalServer (TLSC’s case management system).

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

• Understanding of grant requirements and associated reporting needs.

• Commitment to promoting inclusion, equity, and cultural responsiveness, and to protecting the rights of marginalized and underserved populations.

• Ability to travel to out-of-town locations that include overnight stays.

• Ability to work with clients in a patient, trauma-informed and non-judgmental manner.

• Ability to enter information into case management system accurately.