Staff Attorney - Public Benefits Unit - Houston, TX

Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit law firm whose mission is to protect and advance the civil rights of low-income Texans by providing advocacy, legal representation, and community education that ensure equal access to justice.

About the role

The Staff Attorney will gather evidence, conduct civil lawsuits, draft legal documents, and advise clients about their legal rights. Responsibilities include interviewing clients and witnesses, preparing for client legal representation, and representing clients in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies. The role involves interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for clients and the community, as well as outreach, community education, and collaboration to further LSLA’s mission. The successful applicant may supervise and coordinate activities of subordinate legal, clerical, volunteer, or student workers.

Responsibilities

• Handle a caseload and major litigation
• Attend evening legal clinics
• Participate in community education
• Interview clients and witnesses
• Prepare for and provide client legal representation
• Represent clients in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for clients and the community
• Engage in outreach and community education
• Supervise and coordinate activities of legal, clerical, volunteer, or student workers (as applicable)

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice in Texas or qualify for reciprocity
• Prior legal services or public interest experience preferred
• Bilingual (Spanish & English) speaking/writing skills preferred

Skills

• Strong legal writing and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated client service orientation
• Skilled in interviewing, assessment, problem-solving, and negotiation
• Ability to work under pressure and make decisions quickly
• Demonstrated ability to aggressively pursue the rights of the client community
• Energetic, motivated, and self-started

Location

Public Benefits Unit – Houston Office. The successful applicant must have reliable transportation to travel throughout all Texas counties served by this office.

Benefits

• Medical benefits
• Paid leave