Managing Attorney - Crime Victims

Position Summary:

Texas Legal Services Center’s (TLSC) Crime Victims Program provides direct legal services to victims of violent crime by advocating for their civil legal needs as they navigate the criminal justice system.

The Managing Attorney is responsible for the oversight and administration of a team of attorneys and advocacy staff who provide trauma-informed services to crime victims through legal advice, litigation, advocacy in criminal cases and parole proceedings, and other appropriate legal services. The Managing Attorney is also responsible for maintaining their own caseload; building and nurturing relationships with other service providers across the state; providing trainings for attorneys, advocates, judges, and law enforcement on best practices for working with crime victims; coordinating outreach; and grant-reporting.

This attorney in this position is expected to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards as a member of the State Bar; adhere to the American Bar Association Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid; embrace and support TLSC’s overall mission; and comply with all grant requirements, regulations, standards, policies, and confidentiality requirements.

*This is a grant funded position.

Essential Functions

• Provide support and leadership to the attorneys and legal advocates on the Crime Victims Litigation team in a responsive and professional manner.

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff.

• Mentor and motivate staff through strategic thinking and team building.

• Ensure program compliance with grant requirements, regulations, standards, policies, and confidentiality requirements.

• Assist in applying for grants and provide financial and program reporting as requested.

• Provide legal advice, assistance, referrals, and representation in court hearings and administrative proceedings, where applicable, to eligible clients in a compassionate, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and victim-centered manner.

• Perform research and analysis, conduct factual investigations, communicate with third parties, make agency referrals, and draft and file legal documents.

• Cultivate working relationships, both internally and with other organizations and agencies, to advance programmatic and organizational goals.

• Lead or assist with promoting education efforts statewide, including developing, presenting, or participating in trainings aimed at law enforcement, attorneys, judges, and other social service providers.

• Travel, at times frequently, to locations outside of Austin to address client issues, further education efforts, or meet on partner agency matters. (Currently limited due to the COVID pandemic).

Other Functions

• Ensure all client, project, and computer files are maintained in an orderly manner.

• Provide all information needed/requested for TLSC-reporting in a prompt manner.

• Collaborate with other TLSC managers and senior staff.

• Perform other duties as assigned.