Housing Staff Attorney

Job Summary:

WTLS provides free civil legal help to low-income West Tennesseans seeking to maintain shelter, financial security, and freedom from abuse. WTLS works with community organizations and client groups to educate communities about civil legal issues and access to justice. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to equal justice for West Tennesseans who cannot afford to hire an attorney. 

The attorney’s housing work will focus on landlord/tenant matters, subsidized housing matters, home repairs, and mobile home ownership issues. Work will include direct legal services to eligible clients and outreach and education to the client community and community partners.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following tasks:

• Provide legal advice and representation in housing cases
• Plan and provide client outreach and other education activities for client population and community partners
• Assist in coordinating day-of-court clinics
• Participate in day-of-court clinics by intaking potential clients, providing on-the-spot advice, and reviewing cases for full representation
• Co-counsel with other attorneys and work with paralegals 
• Develop and implement litigation and/or advocacy strategies to address systemic legal problems
• Attend training relevant to housing affecting WTLS’ client population as directed by the Housing Unit Manager
• Collaborate with local and state agencies and community partners on housing issues, as permitted by funding 
• Perform case maintenance and office tasks, such as opening and closing cases, deadline system, and filing
• Enter thorough data into the case management system in a timely manner
• Maintain contemporaneous timekeeping
• Communicate with clients in a timely manner 
• Assist clients in completing necessary forms
• Perform other duties as requested by supervisor

General WTLS Duties: 

• Accurately record and update timekeeping entries in real-time, ensuring detailed and precise documentation of work hours, project time allocation, and task completion for reporting and payroll purposes 
• Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with staff by facilitating effective communication, promoting teamwork, and providing support to ensure a collaborative and productive work environment 
• Participate in staff meetings, board meetings, and other meetings, as requested 
• Serve on internal committees, work groups, and other groups to promote and improve organizational operations 
• Comply with program policies and regulations of the Legal Services Corporation and other funders 
• Comply with relevant portions of the Legal Services Corporation’s Performance Criteria and the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid 
• Comply with all applicable organizational, professional, and legal requirements for confidentiality Comply with documentation requirements of funders and assist with and ensure that all required documentation to establish client eligibility is maintained appropriately
• Perform such other duties as reasonably requested

Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.  

• J.D. Degree
• Current licensure in good standing in Tennessee, awaiting February 2026 bar results, planning to sit for the July 2026 Tennessee Bar, or eligible for and willing to secure reciprocity
• Experience advocating for the interests of low-income populations
• Background check and references that are complete and free of concerns
• General practice experience, including litigation experience, or willingness to participate in appropriate training
• Experience working with or sensitivity to specialized client populations
• Experience working with or sensitivity to individuals from ethnic or language distinct communities
• Ability to draft legally sufficient pleadings and other legal documents, including creating concise and persuasive arguments
• Ability to conduct research and analysis of pertinent legal authority
• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions
• Effective communication skills sufficient to represent clients in legal hearings, meetings, negotiations, or administrative proceedings; to give public presentations, conduct training, and do client outreach
• Sufficient computer skills to be able to maintain client records, prepare documents, and maintain time records
• Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint
• Ability to competently use company software packages
• Reliable personal transportation and willingness to travel statewide occasionally and to WTLS’ other offices as necessary
• Maintain insurability under WTLS’ group auto policy

Success Factors:  

• Demonstrate a commitment to the principle of equal justice and to advocacy for low-income persons by actively participating in initiatives and projects that promote access to legal services for low-income individuals, advocating for their rights, and ensuring their voices are heard and respected in all professional activities
• Treat clients, staff, and the public with dignity and respect
• Appreciate the experiences and needs of people of diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds by engaging in continuous learning about their unique challenges, practicing cultural sensitivity in all interactions, and tailoring support and services to meet their specific needs
• Demonstrate a personal sense of integrity
• Demonstrate a high level of self-motivation in completion of duties
• Take ownership of projects and produce solid work products
• Work as a member of a team and independently, including willingness to help others (cooperative) and share knowledge, information, contacts, and experience
• Address issues in a timely manner
• Use a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment
• Handle and prioritize multiple, competing demands
• Maintain confidentiality of client and organization's information

Working Conditions:

• Work during office hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A minimum 30-minute break must be taken when at least 6 hours are worked. Work hours must be accurate and contemporaneously recorded. A flextime of work hours may be used, if approved. Your supervisor will consider the needs of the office and the preference of more senior employees before approving flextime. Work after hours or on weekends may be occasionally required.
• Pursuant to the current telecommuting agreement, may work up to 2 days per week remotely after completion of 90-day probationary period. The scheduled remote days will be determined upon staffing of the position. The telecommuting schedule may be amended with prior approval of the Housing Unit Leads on an as needed basis. Requests for an amended schedule are contingent on approval from the Housing Unit Manager and will be determined on a case-by-case basis given the current unit staffing.
• Work is performed primarily in an office setting and at outreach sites
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Often communicating with people using the phone, email, via video call, or in person
• Occasionally lift up to 15 pounds
• Travel within the WTLS service area may be necessary

Compensation & Benefits:

• Compensation: $57,100 to $100,000 DOE. This position is a full-time position and compensation is made according to the WTLS salary scale that became effective on April 28, 2025.
• Benefits: Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, vision plan, LTD, Life Insurance, 401k retirement plan, up to 3 days per month Paid Time Off (based on years of employment), paid Holidays (12), 1 mental health day each quarter, and paid week off between Christmas and New Year.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply by visiting: https://wkf.ms/4mjffD8. Applicants must include a resume, writing sample, and three references with phone numbers. Applications will be accepted, and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquires accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified. 

WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee.