Law Center Staff Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Texas Advocacy Project is a statewide non-profit working to end dating and domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking in Texas. TAP empowers survivors through free legal services and access to the justice system, and advances prevention through public outreach and education. Our vision is that all Texans live free from abuse.

TAP Core Values are Integrity, Courage, Innovation, & Empowerment

The Staff Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to TAP crisis consultation clients who are survivors of domestic and dating violence, child abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. This role includes offering legal advice and referrals, securing protective and court orders to enhance client safety, drafting pleadings for pro se clients, and providing direct representation in civil matters through TAP’s partnership with APD. The Staff Attorney also supports victim advocacy efforts in coordination with law enforcement and the judiciary, assists with post-arrest legal support, and delivers trainings to stakeholders across Texas to promote best practices and expand TAP’s reach.

Position Description

• Provide direct legal services and advocacy to victims of domestic violence through TAP, including legal advice, safety planning, and guidance on available civil and criminal legal remedies following the arrest of an offender.

• Collaborate with law enforcement, arraignment judges, and victims to explain post-arrest legal processes and facilitate the completion of legal and victim services, including Magistrate's Orders for Emergency Protection (MOEPs), Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) claims, and Statewide Automated Victim Notification Service (SAVNS) enrollments.

• Obtain protective orders and other court orders to enhance client safety and prevent re-victimization.

• Assist victims, law enforcement, and judges in understanding legal options following an arrest, and support the processing of MOEPs, CVC claims, and SAVNS enrollments.

• Coordinate pro bono clinics to expand access to justice for survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Must have graduated from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in Texas

• Minimum 1 year of litigation experience in family, civil, and/or criminal law; working knowledge of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Texas Family Code, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and Texas Penal Code.

• Ability to provide compassionate, respectful crisis intervention and legal support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including drafting pleadings, offering tailored legal advice, and delivering limited representation to pro se litigants across all relevant areas of civil law

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and proactively address case needs

• Ability to work in a flexible, evolving environment, adapt to situations, and manage change effectively

• Must be familiar with databases and the Microsoft Suite

• Must have strong verbal and writing skills

• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable means of transportation

• Must be able to travel across the state and work some weekends

• Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish preferred

• Work in the office is on an as-needed basis to prep for hearings and meetings and to provide collaborative opportunities

• Position is hybrid if in the Austin area, and remote for other areas in Texas

Salary range $70,000-$112,000.

What We Offer: Your Health, Growth, & Future At TAP, we invest heavily in our team members so you can focus on doing impactful work.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes: Employer-Covered Health: Zero-cost coverage for your medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus full Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support with options to buy up for additional coverage and to add dependents.

Financial Wellness & Future Planning: Secure your future with our retirement plan featuring an employer match.

Student Loan Relief: Fast-track your debt freedom with eligibility for both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and the Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF) Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP).

Professional Upgrades: We fully cover your malpractice insurance, State Bar dues, and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) expenses to keep your career moving forward.

True Work-Life Balance: Recharge fully with a generous bank of paid vacation days, sick leave, and observed holidays.

Extra Perks & Protection: Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), supplemental insurance options, and dedicated pet insurance for your furry family members.

A criminal background check will be conducted.

Texas Advocacy Project is a smoke-free work environment.

TAP is an equal opportunity employer based upon qualifications and related experience without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or medical condition as defined in federal and state laws.