Houston Volunteer Lawyers, the pro bono service arm of the Houston Bar Association, is seeking a full-time staff attorney to assist in providing legal aid to low-income individuals with legal issues caused by or related to Hurricane Harvey. This is a two-year fellowship position through Equal Justice Works. The mission of HVL is to provide free legal services to low-income people in Harris County and to promote volunteerism among lawyers.
HVL’s Hurricane Harvey Recovery Project will focus on providing legal service to clients regarding disaster-related Hurricane Harvey issues. Disaster-related issues may include but are not limited to:
Landlord-tenant matters
Clearing title to real estate or mobile homes
Avoiding foreclosure
Resolving insurance or other consumer disputes
Replacing identification or immigration documents, or important documents such as wills or powers of attorney
Other disaster-related litigation
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Meet with and interview clients facing issues related to Hurricane Harvey.
Staff regular legal advice clinics, which includes conducting legal intake interviews with applicants and mentoring volunteer attorneys who are also conducting legal intake interviews.
Review client applications for eligibility in accordance with HVL policies and priorities.
Prepare cases for referral to volunteer attorneys, which includes, but not limited to, interviewing the client, drafting a summary of the facts, and drafting a summary of the work required.
Provide direct legal assistance to clients when necessary. This may include serving as a back-up when volunteer attorneys are not available.
Provide substantive mentoring to volunteer attorneys who are providing direct legal assistance to clients, including troubleshooting matters.
Perform other outreach and education duties, or tasks as assigned by the Supervising Attorney, Legal Director, or Executive Director.
Coordinate with the lead Equal Justice Works fellow for the Houston area.
Position is for a two-year fellowship. Salary starts at $55,000 and is based on experience. Benefits include employer-paid monthly parking, health, dental, and vision insurance, disability and life insurance, 401(k), and reimbursed travel expenses. Additional benefits as an Equal Justice Works fellow include attendance at 3-Day Leadership Development Training and Equal Justice Conference, loan repayment assistance, and additional support.
Required travel 25%, including some evenings and weekends, no overnight. Some minimal lifting required, up to 25 lbs. Fellows will attend two conferences during the year.
Minimum:
Licensed to practice law in the state of Texas.
A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel.
Strong legal skills, both written and oral
Strong computer skills
Demonstrated commitment to public service preferred
Strong communication skills
Skilled in interviewing, assessment, problem solving and negotiation
Ability to work well under pressure and make decisions quickly
Excellent management and organizational skills
Must be able to work independently, while being an energetic, motivated, team player
Must be able to work in a co-working space
Preferred:
Preference given to those persons fluent in Spanish, Chinese or Vietnamese.
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to [email protected], subject: Harvey Staff Attorney.