Position Title:               Housing Attorney

Department:                      Housing

Employment Status:      Full-time, exempt

Location:                             Memphis

Supervisor:                   Housing Unit Manager

Supervises:                        NA

Prepared:                    May 6, 2025

Job Summary:

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.  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
• 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: Apply by visiting this link. 

Applicants must include a resume, writing sample, and three references with phone numbers. 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.   By signing below, I understand and agree that I must be able to perform each of the essential functions of the position listed above to continue my employment with the Organization.

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 housing/consumer staff attorney will divide their time equally between our Housing Unit and our Consumer Unit, primarily under Family Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS) funding. The FCLS Project focuses on serving households with children who receive or qualify for public benefits. Responsibilities include providing direct legal services to eligible clients, assisting with day-of-court clinics, and conducting outreach and education to the client community and community partners. The attorney’s housing work will focus on landlord/tenant matters, subsidized housing matters, home repairs, and mobile home ownership issues. Their consumer work will focus on auto fraud, debt collection defense, scams targeting low-income individuals, student loans, and other consumer issues.

Duties/Responsibilities:

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

• Provide legal advice and representation in civil housing (50%) and consumer (50%) 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 and consumer issues affecting WTLS’ client population as directed by the Housing or Consumer Unit Manager

• Collaborate with local and state agencies and community partners on housing and consumer 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 or eligible for and willing to secure reciprocity
• Background check and references that are 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
• Maintain confidentially of client information
• 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
• Experience working with or sensitivity to specialized client populations 
• Experience working with or sensitivity to individuals from ethnic or language distinct communities
• Sufficient computer skills to be able to maintain client records, prepare documents, and maintain contemporaneous time records
• Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, 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

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 and Consumer Unit Managers on an as needed basis. Requests for an amended schedule are contingent on approval from the Unit Leads 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 for newly admitted attorneys is $58,200. This position is a full-time position and compensation is made according to WTLS’ salary scale adopted 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: Apply by visiting this link. Applicants must include a resume, writing sample, and three references with phone numbers. 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.   By signing below, I understand and agree that I must be able to perform each of the essential functions of the position listed above to continue my employment with the Organization.