Staff Attorney (Response Team Special Project)

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) seeks a staff attorney with housing experience for the Response Team Special Project. Working in conjunction with the Telephone Access to Justice Unit (TAJ), the Response Team is a unit of lawyers and paralegals who provide immediate high-quality advice and limited assistance to applicants whose cases are not accepted for extended representation and who vet intakes for cases that should be reviewed for extended representation.   

The primary job functions of the staff attorneys within this unit are to expeditiously advise applicants regarding their legal issues, provide brief service or assistance as appropriate, and provide applicants with referrals to self-help or other resources.  Staff attorneys may also assist the TAJ Directors to provide prompt analysis and resolution of intake applications. Staff Attorneys will report to the Response Team Special Project Director, a managing attorney, under the umbrella of TRLA Client Services.  

The ideal candidates will have excellent communication skills, compassion, core competency in at least one or more subject areas (housing, family law, civil litigation, guardianship, public benefits, immigration) or dedication to learning new subject areas, resourcefulness, creativity, curiosity, and a commitment to providing the best possible assistance to clients who are receiving limited assistance, pro se empowerment, and counsel and advice.  

Attorney benefits include law school loan repayment assistance, generous paid leave, healthcare insurance, retirement plan, and training & travel stipends. 

Applicants should indicate one or more preferred practice areas in their cover letter as well.  Remote positions will be considered.

 Application process:   

• Step One – Submit 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 and 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.  

TRLA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER  

At TRLA, we are committed to offering fair and equal employment opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.