Staff Attorney - Texas Access to Justice Commission

General Description

The Staff Attorney assists the Executive Director of the Texas Access to Justice Commission (“the Commission”) with recommendations for the development, coordination, and implementation of initiatives to improve access to justice for low-income Texans.

Starting salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Primary Functions

As directed by the Executive Director, the Staff Attorney:

Assists in the development, coordination, and implementation of Commission programs, including but not limited to legal training programs for legal aid lawyers and internship and training programs for law students.

Conducts legal research as assigned including drafting legal memoranda, legislation, rules, policies, procedures, and other documents, in matters related to reducing barriers to the judicial system for low-income Texans.

Attends legislative, committee, or court meetings and provides written reports on them to the Executive Director.

Keeps abreast of developments and recommended best practices in national access to justice efforts relevant to Texas with routine reports to the Executive Director, including conducting national and statewide research and analysis of laws, legislation, case law, and policy that affect self-represented litigants.

Assists in convening, organizing, and facilitating meetings of diverse stakeholders related to the Commission’s work.

Helps to evaluate and draft agreements with diverse stakeholders on the implementation of Commission-approved laws, policies, and procedures affecting low-income people in the civil justice system.

Possesses the ability to understand laws spanning many practice areas that commonly affect low-income Texans and their effects on specific populations, such as the elderly, veterans, or persons with disabilities.

Prepares drafts of reports, articles, and applications as assigned.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

Must be a licensed attorney with a minimum of three years of legal experience and a commitment to the Commission’s mission. With approval of the Chair of the Commission and the Executive Director, other experience relevant to the Commission’s work may be deemed as a substitute for up to one year of required legal experience.

Must have a demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and adaptable and to work independently and as part of a team. Demonstration of appropriate writing, editing, and presenting skills, including the ability to explain law, policy, and data in plain language to a variety of audiences. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and initiative. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, and ability to complete projects under time constraints. Appropriate experience in the utilization of common computer programs. Requires occasional travel. Experience working for or with nonprofits, legislative bodies, courts, or other government entities is helpful.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please submit an online application, resume, and a writing sample.