The Attorney provides quality and competent advice and/or representation to assigned clients in accordance with grant guidelines and agency policies. The Attorney will be responsible for handling a full case-load. Status: Full-Time Exempt Staff Supervisor: Houston Managing Attorney
Responsibilities
- Provide a range of civil legal services as well as community outreach and education to victims of domestic violence pursuant to assigned grant guidelines
- Provide advice and representation to victims regarding orders of protection, custody, visitation, support, divorce, as well as public benefits, housing, and other civil legal problems related to domestic violence
- Interview client and review questionnaire in order to select, assemble, summarize, and compile substantial information
- Prepare all court documents and pleadings
- Organize client information for court appearances, including interview of witnesses
- Legal research, including file review in court
- Perform all aspects of discovery
- Subpoena any records that may be needed for hearings
- Advise and discuss issues of the case with client
- Negotiate with opposing counsel
- Ensure all aspects of scheduling orders are fulfilled
- Utilize the electronic case management system and complete and submit service logs, litigation reports, timesheets and other paperwork in a timely manner and in accordance with agency procedures
- Maintaining confidential and privileged information and materials provided or disclosed in the course of work.
- Provide on-the-job training, supervision and support for student interns and volunteers working in the legal program
- Provide direction to assigned Paralegal in a clear manner and assign tasks within the Paralegal’s job responsibilities
- Act as back-up for other Attorneys on an as-needed basis
- Perform all above duties while upholding the standards identified in the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited academic institution
- Current license to practice law in the State of Texas
- Minimum of one to three years of litigation experience required, preferably in family court
- Experience supervising support staff and law interns preferred
- Able to work independently and manage a busy docket
- Commitment to practicing law in the public interest sector
- Knowledge of domestic violence and the law, as it pertains to domestic violence
- Bilingual in English and Spanish highly preferred
- Appreciation of diversity and a sensitivity to people of varying lifestyles, ethnicity and religious groups
- Ability to work flexible hours, manage stress and conflict well, and to adapt to ever-changing and challenging needs of multiple priorities and fluctuations in work load
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Proficiency with PCs, including databases, word-processing, and spreadsheets
