Staff Attorney | Housing Team | Tenant Eviction Relief Project

$61000 - $83000 / year

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid seeks a Housing Attorney for the Tenant Eviction Relief Project in El Paso, Laredo, Edinburg, Weslaco, or Brownsville, where low-income tenants face incredible challenges. The Tenant Eviction Relief Project provides an opportunity for legal aid lawyers to work with local agencies, courts, and government officials on a range of housing projects and improve the housing stability of tenants facing homelessness. TRLA operates one of the largest legal services programs in the country and is nationally recognized for high quality, zealous advocacy for its clients.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Represent low-income tenants facing eviction by advising tenants of their rights under federal, state, and local laws; negotiating with landlords to resolve eviction cases; connecting tenants to financial and other resources; and representing tenants in court or administrative proceedings;
• Attend and participate in the planning and implementation of housing clinics with local courts, elected officials or in collaboration with local agencies and community partners;
• Work with tenant organizations on issues of concern to the organization related to preservation of housing, management practices, and conditions.
• Maintain and foster relationships with local agencies and community partners, including, but not limited to, convening and attending meetings of such programs and/or agencies.
• Outreach to the community, including legal education presentations. Presentations may take place outside of the regular office setting, and after office hours.

Compensation and benefits:

• Salary is dependent on experience and commensurate with salaries paid by other LSC-funded legal services programs. TRLA offers a generous benefits and retirement package, including assistance with law school student loan repayment.

Qualifications and preferences:

• Must be licensed to practice law in Texas, able to waive into the Texas bar, or willing to take the next available bar exam, in that order of preference. TRLA will accept UBE that will transfer the score to Texas.
• Experience representing clients in court is preferred but not required.
• Preferred applicants have demonstrated an interest in providing justice to those who need it most and are functionally fluent in Spanish.

Application process:

• Step One -- Complete online application at www.trla.org
• Step Two -- Selected applicants will be contacted for a telephone interview, or an in-person interview depending on a variety of factors.
• Step Three -- Depending on the circumstances, some selected applicants will be invited to visit some specific TRLA offices and meet with staff and tour the local community. TRLA will provide travel, accommodations, and food throughout the visit.
• Step Four -- Selected applicants will be offered a position.

TRLA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an equitable workplace.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $61,000.00 - $83,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Edinburg, TX: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person