WTLS provides free civil legal help to low-income West Tennesseans seeking access to basic rights of shelter, financial security, and freedom from abuse. WTLS works with community organizations and client groups to educate communities about civil legal issues and access to justice. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to equal justice for West Tennesseans who cannot afford to hire an attorney. 

The Family Law Staff Attorney ensures the provision of high-quality legal services in family law matters to low-income clients in WTLS’ 21-county service area, focused on orders of protection, divorces, child custody, and adoptions for domestic violence or abuse/neglect victims. This position is funded by the Family-Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS) grant with Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS). The project’s focus is stabilizing the household by providing outreach, education, and holistic legal advocacy to low-income families with children. Grant positions are funded through the duration of the grant, and subsequent renewal could result in modification of job duties and responsibilities.   

Duties/Responsibilities: 

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following tasks: 

• Provide civil legal assistance to individuals, including interviewing clients, researching, performing factual investigations, preparing pleadings and memoranda, negotiating case resolutions, and representing clients in court and administrative hearings  

• Provide counsel, advice, and other brief services when appropriate 

• Build and maintain a caseload commensurate with experience and expectations 

• Co-counsel with other attorneys and work with paralegals  

• Develop and implement litigation and/or advocacy strategies to address systemic legal problems 

• Accurately record timekeeping entries in real-time, ensuring detailed and precise documentation of work hours, project time allocation, and task completion for reporting and payroll purposes 

• Maintain office hours, as requested, at offsite locations, like family justice centers or courts 

• Provide outreach and education activities for client and community groups 

• Meet the requirements of the Family-Centered Legal Solutions project  

• Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with staff by facilitating effective communication, promoting teamwork, and providing support to ensure a collaborative and productive work environment 

• Participate in staff meetings, board meetings, and other meetings, as requested 

• Serve on internal committees, work groups, and other groups to promote and improve organizational operations 

• Comply with program policies and regulations of the Legal Services Corporation and other funders 

• Comply with relevant portions of the Legal Services Corporation’s Performance Criteria and the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid 

• Comply with all applicable organizational, professional, and legal requirements for confidentiality 

• Perform other duties as may reasonably be requested 

Requirements: 

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

• J.D. Degree  

• Current licensure in good standing in Tennessee or eligible for reciprocity and willing to secure reciprocity 

• Background check, including references, that is complete and free of concerns 

• General practice experience, including litigation experience, or willingness to participate in appropriate training 

• Ability to conduct research and analysis 

• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions 

• Ability to draft legally sufficient pleadings and other legal documents, including creating concise and persuasive arguments 

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills 

• Effective communication skills sufficient to represent clients in legal hearings, meetings, negotiations, or administrative proceedings; to give public presentations, conduct trainings, and do client outreach 

• Experience working with or sensitivity to specialized client populations and individuals from ethnic or language distinct communities 

• Sufficient computer skills to be able to maintain client records, prepare documents, and maintain contemporaneous time records 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail 

• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively 

• Reliable personal transportation and willingness to travel statewide occasionally and to WTLS’ other offices as necessary 

• Maintain insurability under WTLS’ group auto policy 

• Intermediate to expert proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

Success Factors:   

• Demonstrate a commitment to the principle of equal justice and advocacy for low-income people by actively participating in initiatives and projects that promote access to legal services for low-income individuals, advocating for their rights, and ensuring their voices are heard and respected in all professional activities    

• Treat clients, staff, and the public with dignity and respect 

• Appreciate the experiences and needs of people of diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds 

• Demonstrate a personal sense of integrity  

• Take ownership of projects and produce solid work products 

• Work as a member of a team and independently including willingness to help others (cooperative) and share knowledge, information, contacts, and experience 

• Address issues in a timely manner 

• Use a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment 

• Handle and prioritize multiple, competing demands 

Working Conditions:  

• Work during office hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A minimum 30-minute break must be taken when at least 6 hours are worked. Work hours must be accurate and contemporaneously recorded. A flextime of work hours may be used, if approved. Your supervisor will consider the needs of the office and the preference of more senior employees before approving flextime. Work after hours or on weekends may be required occasionally.  

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting. 

• Pursuant to the current telecommuting agreement, may work up to 2 days per week remotely after completion of 90-day probationary period. The scheduled remote days will be determined upon staffing of the position. The telecommuting schedule may be amended with prior approval of the supervisor on an as needed basis. Requests for an amended schedule are contingent on approval from the supervisor and will be determined on a case-by-case basis given the current unit staffing.  

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

• Often communicating with people using the phone, email, via video call, or in person.  

• Occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.  

• Travel within the WTLS service area. A valid Tennessee driver’s license is required. 

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Compensation: $57,100 to $100,000 DOE. This position is a full-time position, and compensation is made according to the WTLS Salary Scale that became effective on April 28, 2025. 

• Benefits: Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, vision plan, LTD, Life Insurance, 401k retirement plan, paid time off (based on years of employment), paid Holidays (12), and paid week off between Christmas and New Year.  

WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. 

How to Apply:  Applicants must submit a resume and apply by visiting https://wkf.ms/4g3srJD. Applications will be accepted, and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquiries accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified.    

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee.

WTLS provides free civil legal help to low-income West Tennesseans seeking access to basic rights of shelter, financial security, and freedom from abuse. WTLS works with community organizations and client groups to educate communities about civil legal issues and access to justice. Candidates should have a strong commitment to access to equal justice for West Tennesseans who cannot afford to hire an attorney. 

The Senior Services staff attorney will provide representation and legal advice to clients aged 60 and older facing legal issues prioritized by the Older Americans Act, such as issues related to income, healthcare, long-term care, nutrition, housing and utilities, and protective services. The attorney will additionally provide outreach and education to the client community and community partners.   

Duties/Responsibilities: 

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following tasks: 

• Provide legal advice and representation in elder law cases  

• Plan and provide client outreach and other education activities for client population and community partners  

• Participate in day-of-court clinics by intaking potential clients, providing on-the-spot advice, and reviewing cases for full representation  

• Develop and implement litigation and/or advocacy strategies to address systemic legal problems  

• Attend training relevant to elder law issues affecting WTLS’ client population 

• Develop knowledge of elder law and Older American Act requirements 

• Collaborate with local and state agencies and community partners on elder law issues, as permitted by funding   

• Perform case maintenance and office tasks, such as opening and closing cases, deadline system, and filing  

• Assist the Grant Manager to accurately and timely complete funder reports and serve as back-up for completion and submission of funder reporting 

• Assist the Grant Manager with funder monitoring 

• Assist the Grant Manager with funding applications 

• Serve as WTLS’ contact with the ombudsman, public guardianship, and other senior programs with the Shelby County Aging Commission of the Mid-South 

• Serve as WTLS’ representative with the Aging Commission of the Mid-South 

• Communicate with clients in a timely manner  

• Accurately record and update timekeeping entries in real-time, ensuring detailed and precise documentation of work hours, project time allocation, and task completion for reporting and payroll purposes 

• Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with staff by facilitating effective communication, promoting teamwork, and providing support to ensure a collaborative and productive work environment 

• Participate in staff meetings, board meetings, and other meetings, as requested 

• Serve on internal committees, work groups, and other groups to promote and improve organizational operations 

• Comply with program policies and regulations of the Legal Services Corporation and other funders 

• Comply with relevant portions of the Legal Services Corporation’s Performance Criteria and the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid 

• Comply with all applicable organizational, professional, and legal requirements for confidentiality 

• Perform other duties as may reasonably be requested 

Requirements: 

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

• J.D. Degree 

• Current licensure in good standing in Tennessee, awaiting July 2026 bar exam results, or eligible for and willing to secure reciprocity 

• Experience advocating for the interests of low-income populations 

• Background check and references that are complete and free of concerns 

• General practice experience, including litigation experience, or willingness to participate in appropriate training 

• Experience working with or sensitivity to specialized client populations  

• Experience working with or sensitivity to individuals from ethnic or language distinct communities   

• Ability to draft legally sufficient pleadings and other legal documents, including creating concise and persuasive arguments 

• Ability to conduct research and analysis of pertinent legal authority 

• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions 

• Effective communication skills sufficient to represent clients in legal hearings, meetings, negotiations, or administrative proceedings; to give public presentations, conduct training, and do client outreach 

• Sufficient computer skills to be able to maintain client records, prepare documents, and maintain time records 

• Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and other company software packages 

• Reliable personal transportation and willingness to travel statewide occasionally and to WTLS’ other offices as necessary  

• Maintain insurability under WTLS’ group auto policy  

Success Factors:   

• Demonstrate a commitment to the principle of equal justice and to advocacy for low-income persons by actively participating in initiatives and projects that promote access to legal services for low-income individuals, advocating for their rights, and ensuring their voices are heard and respected in all professional activities 

• Treat clients, staff, and the public with dignity and respect 

• Appreciate the experiences and needs of people of diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds by engaging in continuous learning about their unique challenges, practicing cultural sensitivity in all interactions, and tailoring support and services to meet their specific needs 

• Demonstrate a personal sense of integrity 

• Demonstrate a high level of self-motivation in completion of duties 

• Take ownership of projects and produce solid work products 

• Work as a member of a team and independently, including willingness to help others (cooperative) and share knowledge, information, contacts, and experience 

• Address issues in a timely manner 

• Use a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment 

• Handle and prioritize multiple, competing demands 

• Maintain confidentiality of client and organization’s information 

Working Conditions:  

• Work during office hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A minimum 30-minute break must be taken when at least 6 hours are worked. Work hours must be accurate and contemporaneously recorded. A flextime of work hours may be used, if approved. Your supervisor will consider the needs of the office and the preference of more senior employees before approving flextime. Work after hours or on weekends may be required occasionally.  

• Pursuant to the current telecommuting agreement, may work up to 2 days per week remotely after completion of 90-day probationary period. The scheduled remote days will be determined upon staffing of the position. The telecommuting schedule may be amended with prior approval of the supervisor on an as needed basis. Requests for an amended schedule are contingent on approval from the supervisor and will be determined on a case-by-case basis given the current unit staffing.  

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting and at outreach sites 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer 

• Often communicating with people using the phone, email, via video call, or in person 

• Occasionally lift up to 15 pounds 

• Travel within the WTLS service area may be necessary   

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Compensation: $58,200 to $100,000 DOE. This position is a full-time position, and compensation is made according to the WTLS Salary Scale that became effective on April 28, 2025. 

• Benefits:  Full-time benefits include the ability to participate in WTLS’ health insurance plan, dental plan, vision plan, LTD, Life Insurance, 401k retirement plan, up to 3 days per month Paid Time Off (based on years of employment), paid Holidays (12), 1 mental health day each quarter, and paid days off between Christmas and New Year.  

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit a resume and apply by visiting:  https://wkf.ms/4g7EJ4X. Applications will be accepted, and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquires accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified.     

WTLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee.