Staff Attorney | Right to Counsel Project
SAN ANTONIO
Posted 11/14/2023
$61000 - $83000 / year
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc. (TRLA) seeks a full-time Attorney for our Housing Team’s Right to Counsel (RTC) Project in San Antonio. The attorney may have several different job duties and responsibilities, ranging from direct representation of tenants to policy advocacy and impact litigation. The attorney may assist with landlord/tenant problems, eviction defense, fair housing/housing discrimination complaints, reasonable accommodations of disability, and Section 8 voucher/Housing Authority issues. Additionally, the attorney may work on fair housing and impact litigation. The RTC attorney will also be involved in community and client education and outreach activities during the work week, in the evenings, and some weekends as needed.
Primary Duties:
· Provide direct representation to eligible low-income residents of San Antonio facing eviction proceedings in state court;
· Provide direct representation to eligible low-income residents of San Antonio facing termination of their subsidized housing in Housing Authority administrative proceedings;
· Provide legal advice and limited pro se assistance to low-income residents of San Antonio facing eviction or termination of their housing voucher;
· Managing an individual caseload;
· Assist and lead fair housing and impact litigation including, but not limited to, research and writing, motion writing, written discovery, and depositions;
· Attend, monitor, and provide feedback at community meetings, government body meetings, task force meetings, and other meetings/hearings related to systemic advocacy;
· Conduct outreach and community education presentations and produce educational materials;
· Develop relationships and engage in collaboration with a range of public and private community partners, including governmental agencies, courts, and community-based organizations, to ensure integrated services and address systemic barriers facing tenants in our service area;
· Support program and organization-wide initiatives;
· Participate, organize, and lead education and outreach efforts to the community about legal issues confronted by low-income tenants;
· Provide legal support to non-attorney staff assisting with client intake and legal services;
· Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Preferences:
· Texas Bar Membership or otherwise eligible to practice law in Texas (individuals awaiting Texas Bar Exam results are eligible to apply);
· Experience managing a high-volume caseload, including experience representing tenants in unlawful detainer actions;
· Ability to identify, investigate, and resolve client problems;
· Ability to analyze, write, and present ideas and legal concepts clearly and concisely;
· Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and perform well under pressure in a fast-paced environment;
· Affirmative litigation experience, including representing Plaintiffs in housing matters in state and federal court;
· Ability to work independently and effectively as a part of a team, both internal and external to TRLA;
· Experience in community lawyering;
· Connections to and experience working with diverse populations, including communities of color and people living with disabilities;
· Ability to interact compassionately and effectively with individuals in crisis;
· Passion for social justice, as well as a desire to provide assistance to underserved populations;
· Bilingual (particularly Spanish) applicants are desired.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary is commensurate with experience and includes an excellent fringe benefits package, including law school loan repayment, generous paid leave, healthcare insurance, a retirement plan, and training & travel stipends.
Application process:
Step One – Submit a completed online application.
Step Two – Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview (videoconference, telephone, or in-person).
Step Three – Depending on the circumstances, selected applicants will be invited to visit some specific TRLA offices, meet with staff, and tour the local community. TRLA will provide travel, accommodations, and meals throughout the visit.
Step Four – Selected applicants will be offered a position.