Legal Aid Line Attorney

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT POSITION : Legal Aid Line Attorney – (Part-Time) CLOSING DATE : Positions Immediately Available & Closed When Filled LOCATION : Remote Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides high-quality, free civil legal services to low‑income individuals and families in 114 counties across North and West Texas. Our mission is to ensure equal access to justice and improve the lives of low-income communities by providing high-quality legal representation, strategic litigation, valuable legal advice and meaningful collaborations, outreach, and community education. JOB OVERVIEW: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) seeks a dynamic, self-starting attorney who has 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 attorney must reside in the State of Texas. 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 thought 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 individuals 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 duration of employment. Fluent in Spanish – both verbal and written is preferred. This position requires regular use of a computer and occasional lifting of files or materials. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. SALARY: Current entry-level rate of pay for an attorney is $35.00 per hour. The maximum allowable hours worked is 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 (LANWT) Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. LANWT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY