West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc. (WTLS) has an immediate opening for a staff attorney in our Jackson, Tennessee office at entry-level up to three years’ experience.
Description of Positions: Our attorneys represent clients in civil legal matters and work with community organizations and client groups. West Tennessee Legal Services is organized into five practice groups: Housing; Consumer; Benefits/Special Education; Family, including domestic violence cases; and the Senior Citizens Law Project. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to equal justice for our low-income neighbors in West Tennessee who face overwhelming problems regarding basic rights to shelter security, income security, financial security, special education, and freedom from abuse for which there is a legal solution. Both positions collaborate with other practice groups within WTLS and with community partners.
This attorney will work in our Housing Unit under a new HUD-funded grant aimed at providing comprehensive eviction prevention legal services to families living at or below 80% of the area AMI. Work will be focused on providing comprehensive legal assistance in landlord/tenant issues that place the client at risk for homelessness. Work will include outreach services, as well as direct legal services to eligible clients.
Qualifications: Applicants must be admitted to practice law in Tennessee, planning to sit for the upcoming 2022 Tennessee Bar, or be licensed in another state and eligible for temporary admission. Additional requirements include:
- Demonstrated interest in public interest law
- Experience advocating for the interests of low-income populations
- Strong academic record
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, computer, and verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to handle a demanding workload
- Ability to work collaborative, both within WTLS and with community partners
Litigation experience preferred. The positions require travel to multiple counties in WTLS’ service area. Send cover letter explaining the reasons for your interest and indicating the positions for which you would like to be considered, resume, writing sample, and references to: Hiring Committee, West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc., P.O. Box 2066, Jackson, TN 38302 or tricia@wtls.org Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. West Tennessee Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and handicapped persons are encouraged to apply.