Staff Attorney - Employment

About the role

The Equal Justice Center (EJC) is a public interest law firm in Texas that specializes in employment litigation for low-wage working people. Our mission is to empower low-income families, workers, and communities to achieve fair treatment in the workplace, in our justice system, and in our shared society. The EJC provides direct legal assistance to low-wage workers throughout Texas in cases involving wage theft, employment discrimination, workplace retaliation, workplace sexual assault, labor trafficking, and the employment rights of immigrants. We have offices in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio and provide legal services throughout the state of Texas.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge and expertise of the law and legal system.
• Embrace and support our overall mission, standards, policies, and confidentiality requirements.
• Manage a diverse caseload and provide high quality legal advice, assistance, and referrals to eligible clients in a compassionate, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed manner.
• Perform research and analysis, conduct factual investigations, communicate with third parties, and draft and file legal documents.
• Manage all phases of litigation, including discovery, court hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials.
• Develop and implement case strategies in collaboration with EJC attorneys.
• Conduct community education to raise awareness about workplace rights and access to justice.
• Ensure that all client, project, and computer files are maintained in an orderly manner.
• Ensure compliance with all regulations, grant requirements, and internal operating and personnel policies.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism when working with other staff, governmental entities, funding entities, and the public.

Requirements

Required:

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in at least one state or the District of Columbia.
• At least 2 years of relevant legal experience.
• Experience in employment law, preferably in areas such as wage theft, employment discrimination, workplace retaliation, workplace sexual assault, labor trafficking, and the employment rights of immigrants.

Preferred:

• Experience working with low-income clients.
• Experience litigating in federal and state courts and administrative agencies.
• Experience with immigration law.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Skills

• Knowledge of employment law.
• Ability to handle complex legal issues.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care.

Benefits

The starting salary for this position is $70,000 per year. Final pay will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. EJC’s benefits package for full-time employees includes fully paid health, dental, and vision insurance; a retirement plan; and a generous holiday, sick, vacation, and personal leave policy.