Job Summary:   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 Unit Supervising Attorney assists the Family Unit Managing Attorney to ensure the provision of high-quality legal services in family law cases to people who are low-income in WTLS’ 21-county service area. The Supervising Attorney supervises case work and mentors family law attorneys and paralegals in the WTLS Memphis Office. They also assist the Family Unit Managing Attorney to manage and monitor progress on implementing WTLS’ mission, priorities, advocacy, and work plans, as they relate to family law issues and act as a back-up to the Family Unit Managing Attorney in their absence. The Supervising Attorney maintains a caseload commensurate with managerial responsibilities. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

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

1. Attorney Duties: 

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

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

• Co-counsel with other attorneys and work with paralegals. 

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

• Maintain reduced caseload commensurate with managerial responsibilities. 

1. Supervisory Duties: 

• Manage family law work, including monitoring and regulating workloads. 

• Supervise employees with ongoing feedback and case reviews. 

• Foster positive work relationships and promote cooperation between practice groups within WTLS. 

• Monitor case work to ensure efficient and quality legal work. 

• Participate in and implement management and administrative decision-making involving personnel and WTLS policy.  

• Supervise and enforce WTLS policies and procedures. 

• Convey staff concerns about office and program issues to management. 

• Assist Unit Managing Attorney with maintaining unit SharePoint site, including forms, research library, and form letters. 

• Assist Unit Managing Attorney with keeping WTLS staff apprised of important issues and new developments in the community. 

• Assist Unit Managing Attorney with keeping WTLS staff apprised of new developments within the substantive legal area(s) in which the manager practices. 

• Act as back-up to the Unit Managing Attorney in their absence. 

• Engage in local, state, regional, and/or national legal services and the advocacy community. 

• Maintain subject matter expertise in family law issues affecting the WTLS’ client community. 

• Stay apprised on changes in law. 

• Train attorneys and paralegals on issues concerning family law matters, and identify external trainings to increase substantive knowledge and case-handling skills. 

• Provide mentorship and guidance. 

1. Operational Duties: 

• Perform case review, case evaluation, case activity direction, prioritization, and acceptance of unit cases based upon program guidelines, available resources, and other appropriate considerations. 

• Intervene directly in any project case or other matter, as necessary. 

• Assist unit staff in the resolution of problems in casework and job performance. 

• Work with other WTLS staff to develop sound relations with the local community, governmental agencies, client groups and bar associations. 

• Speak to community groups, schools, and others about their legal rights and prepare materials relating to these presentations. 

• Represent WTLS at meetings and other external functions. 

• Identify future project funding opportunities and oversee grant writing and application submission. 

1. General WTLS 

• 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: 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.  

• At least 5 years of general practice experience in Shelby County Courts. 

• 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 trainings, and do client outreach; to write grant proposals, to manage projects, and to conduct community outreach.  

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

• Expertise and ability to provide leadership in one or more substantive areas of importance to client population.  

• Sufficient computer skills to be able to maintain client records, prepare documents, maintain time records, etc. as required.  

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

• 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.      

• 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 occasionally required.  

• 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. A valid Tennessee driver’s license is required.   

Compensation & Benefits:

• Compensation: $75,600 to $100,000 DOE. This 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 Annual Leave (based on years of employment), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), paid Holidays (12), and paid week off between Christmas and New Year. 

How to Apply:

Candidates will submit their resumes and complete the application at this link.

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.

WTLS provides free civil legal help to low-income West Tennesseans seeking to maintain 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 attorney’s housing work will focus on landlord/tenant matters, subsidized housing matters, home repairs, and mobile home ownership issues.  This position will focus on working with individuals residing in income-based housing and an ideal candidate will have working knowledge of income-based housing regulations or a willingness to develop expertise in this area.  Work will include direct legal services to eligible clients and 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 housing cases

• Plan and provide client outreach and other education activities for client population and community partners
• Assist in coordinating day-of-court clinics
• Participate in day-of-court clinics by intaking potential clients, providing on-the-spot advice, and reviewing cases for full representation
• Attend training relevant to housing affecting WTLS’ client population as directed by the Housing Unit Manager
• Develop knowledge of income-based housing options and their governing regulations
• Collaborate with local and state agencies and community partners on housing issues, as permitted by funding 
• Perform case maintenance and office tasks, such as opening and closing cases, deadline system, and filing
• Enter thorough data into the case management system in a timely manner
• Maintain contemporaneous timekeeping
• Communicate with clients during their representation in a timely manner 
• Assist clients in completing necessary forms
• Participate in staff meetings, board meetings, and other meetings, as requested
• Participate on internal committees, work groups, and other efforts to promote and improve organizational operations
• Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with staff
• 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
• Comply with documentation requirements of funders and assist with and ensure that all required documentation to establish client eligibility is maintained appropriately
• Perform such other duties as reasonably 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, planning to sit for the July 2025 Tennessee Bar, 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, and SharePoint.
• Ability to competently use company software packages.

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 occasionally required.
• 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 Housing Unit Leads on an as needed basis. Requests for an amended schedule are contingent on approval from the Housing Unit Manager 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: Starting salary is $58,200. 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 Annual Leave (based on years of employment-starting at 12 days per year), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), paid Holidays (12), and paid week off between Christmas and New Year. 

How to Apply:

Candidates will submit their resumes and complete the application at this link.

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.

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 and Family Law staff attorney will spend approximately 60% of their time providing representation and legal advice to clients aged 60 and older facing legal issues prioritized by the Older Americans Act, such as income issues, healthcare issues, long-term care issues, nutrition issues, housing and utilities issues, and protective services. The remaining 40% of their time will focus on legal assistance with orders of protection and divorces for victims of domestic violence. An ideal candidate will have working knowledge of elder and/or family law or a willingness to develop expertise in these areas. 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: 

Attorney Duties: 

• Provide legal advice and representation in elder law and family 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 
• Attend training relevant to elder law and family law
• Develop knowledge of elder law and Older American Act requirements
• Develop knowledge of serving victims of domestic violence 
• Collaborate with local and state agencies and community partners on elder law and family law issues, as permitted by funding  
• Perform case maintenance and office tasks, such as opening and closing cases, deadline system, and filing 
• Work with the Grant Manager to accurately and timely complete funder reports

General WTLS Duties:  

• 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, took the July 2025 Tennessee Bar, or eligible for and willing to secure reciprocity
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• 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  
• 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: Starting at $58,200 up 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 Annual Leave (based on years of employment), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), 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:

Candidates will submit their resumes and complete the application at this link. 

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No inquires accepted. Only applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified.    

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. 

This position is funded 75% under the Legal Services for Veterans (LSV) grant with the Veterans Administration. The position’s remaining 25% is funded to provide civil legal assistance to Veterans and Veteran families who qualify for civil legal assistance under the Supportive Services for Veterans Families grant and to individuals facing housing instability. 

The Veterans Staff Attorney is responsible for providing legal services to eligible Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.   The goal is to assist homeless and at-risk Veterans who have unaddressed legal needs that create barriers to housing stability. Grant positions are funded through the duration of the grant and subsequent renewal could result in modification of job duties and responsibilities.   This position reports to the Director of Special Projects and works closely with the housing, consumer, benefits, and family law teams. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

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

Attorney Duties: 

• Provide legal advice and representation in civil legal matters affecting housing stability to homeless and at-risk Veterans and Veteran families 

• Provide civil legal advice and representation to individuals and families facing housing instability  

• Provide outreach and education activities for Veteran population 

• Build referral partnerships with community and government agencies serving homeless or at-risk Veterans  

• Meet the requirements of the LSV and SSVF projects  

• Attend training relevant to housing instability or Veteran services affecting WTLS’ client population as directed by the Director of Special Projects  

General WTLS Duties:  

• 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.    

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and current licensure in good standing in Tennessee, planning to sit for the February 2026 Tennessee Bar, or eligible for and willing to secure reciprocity   

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills 

• 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: $58,200-100,000 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 Annual Leave (based on years of employment), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), 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: Apply by visiting https://wkf.ms/46NXw0m . 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.    

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.   

This position reports to the Family Law Managing Attorney.  

Duties/Responsibilities: 

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

• Provide direct legal assistance to individuals and groups, 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.  

• Co-counsel with other attorneys and work with paralegals.  

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

• Participate on internal committees, work groups, and other efforts to promote and improve WTLS operations. 

• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with office staff. 

• 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. 

• 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 and training as requested by supervisor. 

General WTLS Duties:  

• 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 or eligible for reciprocity and willing to secure reciprocity.   

• Ability to conduct research and analysis of pertinent legal authority.   

• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.   

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills 

• 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: $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, paid Annual Leave (based on years of employment), paid Sick Leave (12 days per year), 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 Link. 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.