Staff Attorney

Texas Advocacy Project is a statewide non-profit working to end dating and domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking in Texas. TAP empowers survivors through free legal services and access to the justice system, and advances prevention through public outreach and education. Our vision is that all Texans live free from abuse.

 TAP Core Values are Integrity, Courage, Innovation, & Empowerment

The Staff Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to TAP clients who are survivors of domestic and dating violence, child abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. This role includes offering legal advice and referrals through the statewide legal line, securing protective and court orders to enhance client safety, drafting pleadings for pro se clients, and providing direct representation in civil matters. The Staff Attorney also supports victim advocacy efforts in coordination with law enforcement and the judiciary, assists with post-arrest legal support, and delivers trainings to stakeholders across Texas to promote best practices and expand TAP’s reach. 

Position Description

• Provide a range of legal services to victims of domestic and dating violence, child abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking, including legal assistance, referrals, compensation support, representation, and self-help guidance.
• Offer legal advice, counsel, and referrals through TAP’s legal phone lines. 
• Obtain protective orders and other court orders to enhance client safety and prevent re-victimization.
• Plan and deliver trainings to judges, law enforcement, advocates, and other stakeholders to expand TAP’s reach and promote statewide best practices. 
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Must have graduated from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in Texas 
• Knowledge of legal issues relating to domestic violence and/or sexual assault is required
• Ability to assist clients with legal issues relating to all areas of civil law as it pertains to domestic violence and sexual assault
• Must be able to provide information to clients in crisis and be able to help individuals in a compassionate and respectful manner 
• Ability to provide pro se litigants with legal advice and limited representation in matters related to domestic violence, sexual assault and draft pleadings
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and proactively address case needs
• Ability to work in a flexible, evolving environment, adapt to situations, and manage change effectively. 
• Must have strong verbal and writing skills 
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable means of transportation
• Must be able to travel across the state and work some weekends
• Minimum 1 year of litigation experience in family, civil, and/or criminal law; working knowledge of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Texas Family Code, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and Texas Penal Code. 
• Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish preferred.
• Some travel and working irregular hours including weekends is occasionally required.

Salary range $64,000-$85,000. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Texas Advocacy Project provides health insurance, malpractice insurance, CLE and State Bar dues are paid, and you have the opportunity to participate in the Project’s matching retirement plan. Generous paid vacation, personal leave, and holidays.

A criminal background check will be conducted.

Texas Advocacy Project is a smoke-free work environment.

TAP and its Board of Directors supports the principles and spirit of equal opportunity based upon qualifications and related experience without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or medical condition as defined in federal and state laws.