SUMMARY

STCL Houston seeks three recent graduates or enrolled students for a time limited program that ends on August 31, 2024 or until grant funds are fully expended, whichever comes first, unless renewed by additional funds. Primary subject matter is Landlord/Tenant Law. Client base is drawn from Harris County—indigent and economically disadvantaged persons facing eviction and denial of their rights under the Texas Property Code. Provides high quality legal representation and community service to Clinics’ client base in landlord/tenant, emergency rental assistance, and self-help assistance under the supervision of licensed Clinics attorneys.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide legal representation to eligible applicants for landlord/tenant matters including eviction defense in Justice Courts.

Assist with the pro se clinics; develop self-help videos, brochures, or handouts; and serve at self help desks at the courthouse.

Conduct information sessions or presentations at outreach events, occasionally in the evenings or on weekends.

Utilize case management and data aggregation software(s) to:

• maintain program reports, surveys, and data entry of statistics
• assist with client intake, screening, and document gathering
• set appointments, organize and track cases, and communicate with clients

Travel frequently to off-site locations as needed to accomplish the above tasks. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

Required

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to community with all levels of constituencies;
• High level of business and professional ethics;
• Flexible and adaptive in meeting the needs of the Clinics’ client base;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Reliable transportation;
• Minimum computer and technology skills required: Microsoft Windows and Office, telephone, fax, and copying/scanning.

Preferred

• Prior clinical or pro bono work serving indigent populations;
• Other language proficiency besides English;
• Experience with case management software is a plus.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Currently enrolled or graduate of South Texas College of Law Houston.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define routine problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to solve routine problems and/or deal with a variety of variables in situations;

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. Occasional light to moderate lifting from floor level, at waist, and above shoulders required. Infrequent bending and stooping necessary. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision in order to accurately input data and proofread; distance vison in order to recognize and assist visitors to the department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Fast paced, multitasking, non-smoking work environment. May work up to thirty hours per week depending on scheduling needs.

COMPENSATION

For graduates -$20 - 30/hour depending on experience and bar licensure.

For STCL Houston enrolled students – hourly rate is commensurate with prevailing work study hourly rate. Position is anticipated to end on August 31, 2024 or until grant funds are fully expended, whichever comes first, unless renewed by additional funds. Position is not eligible for employee benefits.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications must contain a CV or resume and a cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in the position.