Legal Access Attorney - State Bar of Texas

The Legal Access Attorney assists the executive leadership of the Texas Access to Justice Commission and the State Bar of Texas by focusing on the development and implementation of initiatives to improve access to justice for low-income Texans.

As directed by the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director of the Commission and LAD, the Legal Access Attorney:

1.  Develops and implements programs Identifies and documents systemic barriers to access to justice, including when official policy is not practiced accurately and when policy or practice have an unintended negative impact. Assists in work to address systemic policy and process changes to remove those barriers.

2. Assists in drafting legislation, rules, policies, procedures, or other documents as directed in matters related to reducing barriers to the judicial system for low-income Texans. Attends legislative, committee, or court meetings as a resource for information regarding access matters.
3. Keeps abreast of developments and best practices in self-represented litigation across the nation, confers with experts and self-represented litigants themselves, and conducts national and statewide research and analysis of laws, legislation, case law and policy that affect self-represented litigants.
4. Assists in convening, organizing, and facilitating meetings of diverse stakeholders in service of the Commission’s strategic goals as directed. Builds and strengthens relationships with legal access stakeholders.  Helps to evaluate and draft agreements with diverse stakeholders on the implementation of laws, policies, and procedures affecting low-income people in the civil justice system.
5. Possesses the ability to understand laws spanning many practice areas that commonly affect low-income Texans and their effects on specific populations, like the elderly or persons with disabilities.
6. Collaborates as directed with legislators, judges, lawyers, corporations, bar associations, legal aid and pro bono providers, social service providers, and communication and development professionals to achieve the Commission’s strategic goals.
7. Trains judges, lawyers, court personnel, bar leaders and others on ethical, legal, procedural and practice issues related to access issues for the poor to our judicial system.
8. Researches specific practice areas to advise and assist in projects related to legal access.
9. Researches changes in the case law, rules, and statues, both on the state and federal level, to update forms and to otherwise comply with current law in legal access matters.
10. Writes reports, articles, and other items for publication in various media platforms as well as grant applications for funding particular projects or pilot studies.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Must be a licensed attorney with a minimum of three years of experience (preferably in poverty law, legal aid, or public policy in a related area) and a demonstrated commitment to the Commission’s mission. May substitute experience as a policy analyst or similar role for up to one year of law practice. Must have a demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and adaptable, and to work independently and as part of a team without support from a secretary or paralegal. Excellent writing, editing, and presenting skills, including the ability to explain law, policy, and data in plain language to a variety of audiences. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and initiative. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, and ability to complete projects under time constraints. Experience building partnerships with diverse constituencies and working in coalition. Experience with or a commitment to master Excel, PowerPoint, and other common software. Understanding of barriers low-income people face when they have a legal problem is required. Requires occasional travel. Experience working for or with advocates, legislative bodies, courts, or other government entities preferred. Ability to speak Spanish fluently desirable but not required.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please submit an online application, resume, letter of interest, and a writing sample.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule of remote work and in office at the discretion of employer.