1541 - Deputy Director of Litigation

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Deputy Director of Litigation – (Full- Time Position)

Closing Date: Immediately Available and Closed When Filled

Location: Hybrid Remote – Amarillo, Dallas, Lubbock and Fort Worth, TX (Administration)

OVERVIEW: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) seeks a Deputy Director of Litigation (D-DOL) to assist the Director of Litigation in overseeing LANWT litigation and developing litigation strategies. The D-DOL will provide mentorship and support to staff in the areas ofgeneral civil law, includingbut not limitedto family/domestic violence, housing, foreclosure prevention, landlord-tenant, consumer, probate, barrier removal, special education, public benefits, bankruptcy, and special projects.

DESCRIPTION: LANWT is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides high-quality free civil legal services to low-income persons in 114 counties in North and West Texas.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The D-DOL will be expected to provide and to direct other attorneys in providing quality and competent advice and/or representation to clients in accordance with LANWT’s policies and procedures and attorneys’ responsibilities under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct; Texas Lawyers Creed, and the American Bar Association’s Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services to the Poor. Primary duties and responsibilities of this position are:

• Oversee the firm’s litigation strategy.
• Oversee significant trial and appellate legal work of the LANWT attorneys.
• Co-counsel, consult, and provide mentorship to staff handling cases.
• Review caseload reports to ensure appropriate case development.
• Assist the Director of Litigation in formulating litigation policies and procedures.
• Advise the Director of Litigation, Deputy Director, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of significant cases and matters.
• Review and approve pleadings, orders, and briefs in significant cases and oversee the preparation of reports of significant cases handled by LANWT.
• Review all significant cases on a regular basis to assure that the quality and timeliness of legal work is maintained.
• Assist the Director of Litigation in annual case reviews for all attorneys.
• Participate in the recruitment and hiring process for staff.
• Oversee the development of the firm’s pleading and brief bank.
• Participate with and provide oversight for LANWT’s practice teams.
• Assist with grant writing and reporting, as requested.
• Assist the Director of Litigation in the development of the firm’s training plan and assist in the planning and execution of trainings, including onboard training.
• Participate in local, regional, state, and nationwide groups and organizations in carrying out the firm’s mission, developing relationships with partner agencies and in staying abreast of the legal needs of the low-income client communities.
• Work with the Community Revitalization Project representing individuals, groups and associations involving community development and cases involving affordable housing and environmental justice.
• Assist the Director of Litigation in identifying, developing, and implementing strategic advocacy and strategic litigation opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior management or leadership experience in a law firm setting is required.
• License to practice law in Texas required.
• Minimum ten years of progressive litigation experience, including jury trials and appeals required.
• Texas Board Certification in Family Law, Child Welfare Law, or Civil Litigation is preferred.
• Strong understanding of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Rules of Evidence.
• A demonstrated, zealous commitment to public interest law, serving the indigent, or other relevant legal experience.
• Ability to demonstrate and promote a positive work ethic and work environment and provide mentorship and training to staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent legal research skills.
• The ability to think and plan strategically and to develop and implement projects.
• Possess a strong work ethic and a sense of accountability.
• Fluent in Spanish – both verbal and written is preferred.
• Excellent attendance record.
• Ability to engage in occasional work-related travel.

COMPENSATION: Based on the candidate’s years of relevant experience.

BENEFITS: Excellent benefits package that includes paid vacation and holidays; a retirement plan; health, dental and life insurance.

Please submit a cover letter expressing interest, a resume, and three professional references during the application process.

LEGALAID OF NORTHWEST TEXAS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY