Staff Attorney

Full-time

No

Job Title: Staff Attorney at West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc. (WTLS)

Organization: Legal Services for Veterans and US Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women Legal Assistance for Victims

Department: Legal Services for Veterans Project and DOJ Project

Experience: General practice experience required, VA Accredited Representative preferred

Salary: Starting salary for newly admitted attorney is $58,155

Employment Status: Full-time; exempt

Location: Jackson, Huntingdon, or Dyersburg, Tennessee office

Supervisor: Legal Services for Veterans Project Manager

Job Summary:

As a Staff Attorney at WTLS, you will have the opportunity to work on two important projects: Legal Services for Veterans (LSV) and US Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women Legal Assistance for Victims (DOJ). This position is funded 50% under the LSV grant and 50% under the DOJ grant. The LSV project focuses on providing holistic civil legal services to eligible Veterans who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, while the DOJ project focuses on providing legal services to victims of sexual assault, LGBTQ victims of intimate partner violence, and Spanish-speaking victims of intimate partner violence. You will be responsible for providing legal advice and representation to clients, conducting outreach and education activities, and building referral partnerships with community and government agencies. This position may involve litigation in state and federal courts and will cover a variety of legal areas, including housing, protective orders, healthcare, consumer protection, employment law, family law, and benefits.

Duties/Responsibilities:

- Provide legal advice and representation in civil legal matters affecting housing stability (80%) and legal advice and representation to victims of domestic violence (20%) to Veterans who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness
- Conduct outreach and education activities for Veterans
- Build referral partnerships with community and government agencies serving Veterans who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness
- Meet the requirements of the LSV project
- Provide legal advice and representation, including litigation in the courts, in civil legal matters related to or arising from abuse for victims of sexual assault, LGBTQ victims of intimate partner violence, and Spanish-speaking victims of intimate partner violence
- Be receptive to mentoring and supervision according to best practice recommendations
- Provide outreach and education for targeted client populations
- Comply with funder requirements, Legal Services Corporation requirements, and American Bar Association standards for the provision of civil legal aid

Requirements:

- Juris Doctorate degree
- Current licensure in good standing in Tennessee or eligible for reciprocity
- VA Accredited Representative or willing to obtain accreditation within first 4 months of employment
- Background check, including references, that is complete and free of concerns
- General practice experience, including litigation experience, or willingness to participate in appropriate trainings
- Ability to conduct research and analysis
- Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions
- Ability to draft legally sufficient pleadings and other legal documents
- Effective communication skills for representing clients in legal proceedings and conducting outreach and education
- Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Adobe Professional

Success Factors:

- Commitment to equal justice and advocacy for low-income individuals
- Respectful and professional treatment of clients, staff, and the public
- Appreciation for diversity and cultural sensitivity
- Personal integrity
- Ownership and accountability for projects and work products
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Timely addressing of issues
- Professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment
- Ability to prioritize and manage competing demands

Working Conditions:

- Work during office hours between 8:30 . and 5:00 ., Monday through Friday
- Flextime may be available with supervisor approval
- Work may occasionally be required after hours or on weekends
- Work is primarily in an office setting with some outreach work
- Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work
- Communication with others via phone, email, video, or in-person
- Occasional lifting up to 15 pounds
- Travel within WTLS service area may be necessary

Compensation and Benefits:

- Starting salary for newly admitted attorney is $58,155
- Full-time benefits include health insurance, dental plan, vision plan, LTD, Life Insurance, 401k retirement plan, paid Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Holidays, and a paid week off between Christmas and New Year

How to Apply:

To apply, send applications via email in Word or PDF format to . Please include a cover letter specifying your preferred office location, resume, writing sample, and three references with phone numbers. Applications will be accepted and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquiries will be accepted and only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required by the employee. By signing below, I understand and agree that I must be able to perform each of the essential functions of the position listed above to continue my employment with the Organization.

Not specified

Health Insurance, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, LTD, Life Insurance, 401k Retirement Plan, Paid Annual Leave, Paid Sick Leave, Paid Holidays, Paid Week off Between Christmas and New Year

Not specified

Legal Advice, Representation, Outreach, Education, Referral Partnerships, Mentoring, Supervision, Research, Analysis, Drafting, Communication, Microsoft Office, Time Management, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Professionalism, Diplomacy, Judgment, Prioritization, Flexibility, Travel

Juris Doctorate Degree

Send applications via email in Word or PDF format to

Qualification and Experience Juris Doctorate Degree, Licensure in Tennessee or Eligible for Reciprocity, VA Accreditation, Background Check, General Practice Experience, Litigation Experience, Research and Analysis Skills, Communication Skills, Microsoft Office Proficiency

Legal