Attorney - Houston area/Remote position

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

General Description:

The staff attorney will provide a range of legal services to TAPs clients, including legal advice and counsel on our statewide legal line, drafting legal pleadings for use by pro se clients, directly representing clients, participating in statewide advocacy efforts, and performing a range of other civil legal services as required.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• The staff attorney provides a continuum of legal services (legal assistance and training, information and referral, assistance with Crime Victims’ Compensation and Texas SAVNS, direct representation, assisted self-representation) to clients who have been victims of domestic and dating violence, child abuse sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking.

• Attorney provides legal advice and counsel and referral via legal lines and obtains protective orders and other court orders necessary to promote the victim's safety and to reduce the likelihood of re-victimization.

• The staff attorney also works state-wide with domestic violence and sexual assault victims, law enforcement, as well as arraignment judges in Travis County to help victims of family violence understand their legal options after the batterer has been arrested, and when needed assists with processing MOEPs, including assistance with CVC and SAVNS.

• Some travel and working irregular hours including weekends is occasionally required for this position.

• All staff assists in overall office responsibilities including correspondence, working with volunteers, and basic office tasks, and other duties as required.

• This is a remote position in Houston, Texas. Home office is located in Austin, but we are currenlty looking for Houston area Attorneys

Qualifications:

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

• Eight years minimum legal experience

• Ability to assist clients with legal issues relating to all areas of civil law as it pertains to domestic violence and sexual assault.

• Must be able to provide information to clients in crisis and be able to help individuals in a compassionate and respectful manner.

• Ability to provide pro se litigants with legal advice and limited representation in all matters relating to domestic violence and sexual assault and draft pleadings and related documents.

• Knowledge of legal issues relating to domestic violence and/or sexual assault is required.

• Strong verbal and writing skills appreciated.

• Must have reliable transportation

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

• Must be familiar with databases and the Microsoft Suite.

Strongly Preferred: At least eight years 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. Houston area Attorneys are encouraged to apply. Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish preferred.

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Salary range $84,000-$100,000. Health insurance, malpractice insurance, CLE and State Bar dues are paid, and you have the opportunity to participate in TAP’s matching retirement plan. Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program as well as the Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF) Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP). Generous paid vacation, personal leave, and holidays.

A criminal background check will be conducted post offer.

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.