Staff Attorney - Housing Stability

Position Summary:

The Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC) Housing Stability Program assists eligible households with eviction prevention and defense to help individuals and families achieve stability in their housing. The program staff consists of Intake Specialists and Attorneys who operate, provide information and handle cases for TLSC’s statewide Eviction Helpline, table in courthouses during eviction dockets, and take referrals from other teams and partners. The team also uses information from its casework to educate and advocate where that can have a positive impact on Texas tenants. 

The Housing Stability Staff Attorney is responsible for providing full scope legal assistance including counsel and advice, document drafting and in-court representation to meet the relevant basic civil legal needs of low-income individuals. The Staff Attorney also works with the team on all operations and impact work. 

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. 

This is a grant funded position.

 Essential Functions:

· Conduct intake interviews, confirm eligibility for services and check for conflicts of interest according to TLSC policy.· Provide high quality legal advice, assistance, referrals, and representation to eligible clients regarding housing stability. · Perform research, needed factual investigations and analysis, communicate with third parties and assist in drafting, revising and filing legal documents. · Work in the office and around Austin, as well as travelling to locations outside of Austin in the state of Texas to conduct outreach 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 civil law and a preference for a background in housing and related areas of the law.· Strong time management and attention to detail skills.· Exceptional listening, writing and oral communications skills. · Proficiency with Adobe, social media and Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.· Proficiency with or ability to learn LegalServer (TLSC’s case management system). · Understanding of grant requirements and associated reporting needs.· Ability to work with clients in a patient, trauma informed and non-judgmental manner. · Ability to learn new technologies to carry out job functions.· Ability to travel to out-of-town locations. · Ability to work with clients in a patient, trauma-informed, and non-judgmental manner.

Supervisor Responsibilities: Not applicable to this position.    

Minimum Education and Experience:

· J.D. DegreeLicensure and/or Certification: Licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas.