The Texas Civil Rights Project (“TCRP”) seeks a senior or experienced attorney for its Racial & Economic Justice Program. This position will focus on impact litigation and other advocacy related to civil and human rights, and will be based in our Alamo, Texas office in the Rio Grande Valley, with an option to transfer to one of TCRP’s other offices after two years. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references as attachments to Megan Garcia at [email protected]. For consideration, application materials must be submitted no later than January 25, 2019. The anticipated start date is March 4, 2019.
About TCRP
At TCRP, we are Texas lawyers for Texas communities. We use legal advocacy to empower Texas communities and create policy change. In our twenty-eight year history, we have brought thousands of strategic lawsuits, defending voting rights, reforming systems of criminal justice, and fighting institutional discrimination in pursuit of racial and economic justice. Our efforts have helped countless low-income and otherwise marginalized Texans and have widely advanced equality and justice, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley. Today — with dozens of high-caliber attorneys and professionals around the state and an extensive network of pro bono counsel and community allies —TCRP is among the most influential civil rights organizations in Texas. We are proud of our work, welcome innovative thinkers, and offer flexibility to different people’s styles and strengths. Learn more at www.texascivilrightsproject.org.
Overview of Responsibilities
Our senior Racial & Economic Justice attorney will work closely with Program Director Efrén C. Olivares to develop and implement TCRP’s litigation strategy, including challenging discriminatory policies and practices based on arbitrary criteria, with a focus on defending the rights of individuals and communities in South Texas in the face of new and rising threats. TCRP’s Racial and Economic Justice Program uses creative legal advocacy and litigation to represent historically or socio-economically marginalized individuals and communities. By fighting discrimination based on immutable characteristics, immigration status, poverty, and other arbitrary criteria, we work to promote a fair, equitable, and just Texas for everyone.
The attorney will have an active caseload and will spend most of his/her time developing and litigating civil rights cases in state and federal court and pursuing related investigations. In addition, the attorney will contribute to TCRP’s public education and advocacy efforts in these areas, by providing a leading voice on racial and economic justice issues in Texas, particularly the systemic discrimination against immigrant families.
Compensation
Salary will be based on years of experience and any additional job responsibilities, with a starting salary rate of $65,260 for an attorney with at least five years’ experience. TCRP also offers excellent benefits, professional development opportunities and a deep commitment to a meaningful work-life balance. Benefits include: employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance, four weeks paid vacation, six weeks paid family leave (with avenues to extend leave to 12 weeks in total), a $500 professional development budget annually, and extensive holidays, including a winter break between December 25th and New Year’s Day.
Inclusion & Non-Discrimination
TCRP values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture — women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, age, creed, religion, physical ability, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, previous incarceration, veteran status, union membership or activism, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.
TCRP offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, professional development opportunities and a deep commitment to a meaningful work-life balance.
● J.D. from an American Bar Association accredited law school
● Five years post-J.D. experience, preferably with significant civil litigation experience
● Licensed to practice in Texas (or eligible to waive in or sit for the next available Texas bar exam)
● Fluency in Spanish is highly desired, but exceptional candidates who do not meet this requirement may be considered
● Proven excellent writing and oral communication skills, including public speaking
● Demonstrated diligence and initiative to accomplish goals and meet deadlines
● Experience in state or federal civil litigation, including drafting pleadings, motions, taking and defending depositions, arguing in court and other litigation proceedings
● Demonstrated ability to build and successfully manage coalitions with community groups
● Track record of working collaboratively with diverse groups of individuals
● A hard worker and a team player
● Strong ties to Texas are a plus
● And, finally, the desire to be a badass TCRP attorney!
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references as attachments to Megan Garcia at [email protected]. For consideration, application materials must be submitted no later than January 25, 2019. The anticipated start date is March 4, 2019.