Staff Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: Staff Attorney (Full-Time) Hybrid

CLOSING DATE: Position Immediately Available and Closed When Filled

LOCATION: Dallas Main, Dallas Mockingbird, Farmers Branch

Abilene, Amarillo, Brownwood, Dallas, Denton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Mckinney, Midland, Odessa, Plainview, San Angelo, Waxahachie, Weatherford, Wichita Falls Texas

ABOUT: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides high-quality, free civil legal services to low‑income individuals and families in 114 counties across North and West Texas. Our mission is to ensure equal access to justice and improve the lives of low-income communities by providing high-quality legal representation, strategic litigation, valuable legal advice and meaningful collaborations, outreach, and community education.

JOB OVERVIEW:

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) seeks dynamic, self‑motivated attorneys with vision, initiative, and a strong commitment to public interest law to join our team as Staff Attorneys. We have multiple openings across various branch offices and practice areas throughout our North and West Texas service area.

Applicants may be considered for more than one position and location, and candidates will be able to indicate preferred office location(s) and area(s) of interest during the application process.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Staff Attorney core responsibilities include:

• Provide high-quality legal representation to low-income and indigent clients.
• Interview clients and witnesses with cultural competence and trauma-informed practices.
• Conduct legal research, gather evidence, and advise clients on their legal rights and options.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Represent clients in court and before administrative or quasi-judicial agencies.
• Manage a caseload involving significant litigation and justice-related advocacy.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for clients and community partners.
• Staff attorneys may work in one or more civil practice areas based on office needs and experience, including but not limited to:
  • Housing Law
  • Family Law
  • Consumer and bankruptcy
  • Employment and tax law
  • Public benefits and Social Security
  • Probate
  • Foreclosure prevention
  • Education and health law
  • Other general legal civil matters
• Design, develop, and participate in community legal education and outreach initiatives.
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with community organizations, particularly those serving low-income and underserved populations.
• Collaborate with community partners to advance LANWT’s mission of reducing poverty through equitable access to civil justice.
• Participate in local, regional, and statewide networks, including those serving survivors of sexual assault and trauma.
• Participate in strategic advocacy efforts that advance LANWT’s mission of reducing poverty through equitable access to civil justice.
• Refer clients to appropriate services and resources within these networks.
• Attend evening legal clinics as needed.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of legal assistants, clerical staff, volunteers, or law students as assigned.
• Maintain a working knowledge of grant and funding requirements to ensure compliance with program obligations.
• Follow LANWT policies and procedures.
• Adhere to all applicable professional and ethical standards, including:
  • Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct
  • Texas Lawyers’ Creed
  • ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services to the Poor

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed to practice law in Texas or awaiting Texas Bar reciprocity approval.
• Strong knowledge of the Texas Family Code, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and Texas Rules of Evidence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload, think strategically, and implement projects effectively.
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts in plain language.
• Ability to handle interactions calmly and professionally with clients, colleagues, opposing counsel, and judges.
• Strong work ethic, accountability, and professionalism.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Cultural competence and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and serving low-income communities.
• Reliable attendance and ability to engage in occasional travel throughout LANWT’s service area.
• Fluency in Spanish (spoken and written) preferred.

This position requires regular use of a computer, occasional lifting of files or materials, and travel to courts and community locations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

SALARY: Current entry-level salary for a new attorney is $73,815 per year. The salary for the successful applicant may be significantly higher, based on applicant’s years of experience.

BENEFITS: Excellent benefits package that includes paid vacation and holidays; a retirement plan; health, dental, vision and life insurance.

Please submit a cover letter expressing interest, a resume, and three professional references during the application process.

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. LANWT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY