Managing Attorney, Veterans Legal Assistance Program

at  Texas Legal Services Center

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Veterans Legal Assistance Program (VLAP), established in 2010, is a hallmark program of Texas Legal Services Center aimed at supporting low-income Texas Veterans and their families. The managing attorney is responsible for the oversight and administration of a team of legal professionals who provide general civil legal advice, assistance or representation that honors the service, promotes the well-being, and responds to the unique needs of eligible veterans and their family members.
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.

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE:

• J.D. Degree.
• Licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas
  Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes.

EXPERIENCE (PREFERRED):

• Minimum of five years of legal experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience leading, mentoring, and motivating staff.
• Prior service in the United States Armed Forces, or demonstrable superior understanding of military service.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sedentary work that involves sitting most of the time.
• Occasional bending, squatting, and kneeling.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and a negligible amount of force as needed, at times to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

• Provide support and leadership to the VLAP team in a responsive and professional manner.
• Comply with all regulations, grant requirements, and internal operating and personnel policies.
• Develop, participate in, and oversee specialized training programs as requested.
• Identify and publish self-help publications on laws that affect veterans and their health.
• Participate in task forces and meetings with service providers in the community to help meet the legal needs of veterans and their families.
• Recruit, support, and evaluate assigned TLSC legal and administrative staff.
• Assist in the development of grants and provide financial and program reporting as requested.
• Provide legal advice, assistance, referrals, and representation, where applicable, to eligible clients in a compassionate, culturally appropriate, and trauma-informed manner.
• Perform research and analysis, communicate with third parties, and assist in drafting, revising, and filing legal documents.
• Promote education efforts statewide and in local programs.
• Travel to court, VA regional office, medical center, and other relevant locations across the state.
• Ensure all client, project, and computer files are maintained in an orderly and appropriate manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.