Legal Aid Line Attorney - Remote

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION:               Legal Aid Line Attorney (Part-Time)
CLOSING DATE:     Positions Immediately Available & Closed When Filled
LOCATION:              Remote, Texas

OVERVIEW: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) seeks a dynamic, self-starting attorney who has a demonstrated commitment to public interest law to fill part-time contract attorney position on our legal aid telephone hotline. The Legal Aid Line (LAL) attorney position is a part-time contract position for an attorney with knowledge across a variety of substantive areas of civil litigation and administrative matters including, but not limited to, housing, foreclosure prevention, family, landlord-tenant, consumer, probate, special education, public benefits and bankruptcy. The LAL attorney is responsible for conducting telephone intake, providing general advice and brief services and referral resources.  The LAL position is a fully remote position. The LAL attorney must maintain residency in the State of Texas for the duration of employment.

DESCRIPTION: LANWT is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides high-quality free civil legal services to low-income persons in 114 counties in North and West Texas. The LAL is located in Dallas, Texas and handles incoming calls from people seeking legal assistance. A LAL attorney is a part-time contract position with 28 hours being the maximum number of hours available per week. The LAL attorney position requires the ability to work 4 hour shifts.                  

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The LAL attorney must be able to timely and promptly answer incoming calls, enter client information into the electronic case management system, summarize the client’s legal issues in a clear, concise manner, issue spot for other legal issues the client may have, provide legal advice, information and guidance and make appropriate referrals to social service providers, legal aid providers, and specific websites designed to provide pro se assistance on these particular issues. The LAL attorney must ensure the data entered into the electronic case management system is accurate and thoroughly details the client’s case information as well as the service provided. The LAL attorney is responsible for any other duties assigned by the supervising attorney, branch manager, Deputy Director or Chief Executive Officer. A newly licensed attorney will be given appropriate training and be under the close guidance of the supervising attorney for the LAL.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Answer incoming calls in a professional and considerate manner.
• Monitor the online intake portal and take appropriate action on the applications received through the portal by integrating applications into the electronic case management system.
• Conduct telephone intake by answering and returning applicant and client calls, conduct initial client screening and eligibility determination, including distinguishing emergency legal matters from non-emergency legal matters, fact gathering, follow-up investigation and case assignment.
• Create a written summary of the applicant’s legal matter and advice, information, guidance or brief service provided.
• Maintain knowledge of social service agencies and websites that can assist applicants and make appropriate referrals.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of the pertinent areas of the law.
• Participating in in-house training programs and staff meetings and activities.
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism regarding client matters.
• Maintain professionalism toward clients, visitors and other employees.
• Adhere to program policies and procedures, including internal policies, as may be established.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed to practice law in Texas.
• Prior legal services, public interest, or volunteer experience serving low-income persons is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Candidate must be detail oriented, efficient, organized and self-motivated.
• Ability to interact professionally and courteously with individuals at all levels.
• Excellent technology and computer skills required. Previously use of Microsoft Office products preferred.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment while maintaining client confidentiality, integrity, and discretion in the performance of all duties.
• Excellent attendance record.
• Must maintain residency in the State of Texas for the duration of employment.
• Spanish fluency is preferred. 

SALARY:  Current entry-level rate of pay for an attorney is $30.00 per hour. The maximum allowable hours worked shall be 28 hours per week. 

Please submit a cover letter expressing interest, a resume, and three professional references during the application process.

LEGAL AID OF NORTHWEST TEXAS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY