Staff Attorney

ROLE: STAFF ATTORNEY

LOCATION: AUSTIN or HOUSTON, TX

APPLICATION DEADLINE: APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED

Workers Defense Project (a 501(c)(3) organization) is seeking a community-minded attorney who is eager to support Latine immigrant workers in building power in Texas. The ideal candidate will have experience working directly with low-income workers and/or immigrants, educating the community, and practicing employment and labor law. They will also have strong communication skills -- in both English and Spanish -- that will allow them to develop relationships with Workers Defense members and staff, partner attorneys, and allied organizations. A strong candidate should be committed to Workers Defense’s identity as a member-led organization and be interested in utilizing the law as a tool to organize workers in campaigns that protect immigrants’ rights, raise industry standards, and build a base of worker advocates.

HOW TO APPLY:

Send resume, cover letter, writing sample, and three professional references to jobs@workersdefense.org. Please include the position title on the subject line of your email.

WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT YOU:

• You have a clear vision for the potential to leverage legal strategies to support organizing and movement building work.
• You understand Workers Defense’s identity as a movement building organization.
• You are a critical thinker who thrives in a collaborative work environment.
• You have great “people skills” and management acumen to work with a diverse team of staff, volunteers, and members to move multiple projects forward.
• You are skillful at juggling multiple priorities and not letting things fall through the cracks.
• You demonstrate an ability to employ both legal and community-based tactics to resolve employment claims while supporting the leadership development of Workers Defense members

THIS ROLE IN ACTION:

• Managing the provision of legal services in Workers Defense’s Austin or Houston office by supervising a team of staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Providing legal advice, referrals, pro se support, and direct representation to Workers Defense members in strategic employment cases in Austin, Dallas, and Houston metro areas;
• Conducting legal research and writing to support Workers Defense’s programs, campaigns, and operations; preparing resources and training staff;
• Collaborating with Workers Defense organizers, policy coordinators, communications team, and other staff to design and execute campaigns aimed at raising workers rights standards in low-wage industries through legal and community-based strategies
• Recruiting, training, and supervising Workers Defense members who volunteer as Defensores Laborales to assist fellow members in employment disputes and educate one another on labor rights; overseeing a monthly employment rights clinic that occurs on the 1st Tuesday of the month from 7-9pm;
• Providing training sessions to Workers Defense members and community allies on workers rights; designing and updating know-your-rights materials in both English and Spanish;
• Cultivating strong working relationships with local, state and federal agencies, community organizations, and partner attorneys; and
• Representing Workers Defense in meetings with community partners, elected officials, funders, and the media, as needed.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• J.D. and Texas bar admission in good standing, or willingness to take and pass the Texas bar;
• Previous experience practicing employment and/or labor law;
• Previous experience working directly with clients, particularly low-income or immigrant clients;
• Strong proficiency reading, writing, and speaking both English and Spanish;
• Proven ability to think strategically, act assertively when necessary, and speak confidently in public;
• Experience managing different responsibilities, delegating tasks, and supporting the success of a team;
• Commitment to “movement lawyering” principles, and experience in or willingness to learn and employ both legal and community-based tactics to resolve legal claims and support organizing campaigns;
• Ability to work irregular hours, including occasional evenings and weekends;
• Valid Texas driver’s license and insured vehicle.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• The salary range for this position begins at $67,000 and increases depending on experience.
• $1,000 annual bilingual language stipend.
• Employer-paid medical, vision, dental, and life insurance.
• Paid leave consists of 10 days vacation, 10 days sick, and 5 days personal.
• Paid holidays in addition to office closures the week of Thanksgiving and December 23rd through 31st.
• Every other Friday off.
• Retirement plan with company match of 3% (as per our Personnel Policies Manual).
• Parental leave of 12 weeks paid (after probationary period - 90 days from hire).

ABOUT WORKERS DEFENSE PROJECT:

Created in 2002, WDP is a statewide, membership-based organization devoted to workers’ rights and advocacy, chiefly aiming to build power among Texas construction workers. Its mission – to empower low-income workers to achieve fair employment through education, direct services, organizing and strategic partnerships – is accomplished through a network of dedicated staff, volunteers and members. WDP has won numerous awards for its cutting-edge achievements within one of the country’s most difficult climates for workers. The New York Times described WDP as “one of the most creative organizations for immigrant workers in the country.”

ABOUT WORKERS DEFENSE ACTION FUND:

We center the issues of workers rights first and foremost, and engage working Texans around the issues that are most important to their families while supporting year-round civic engagement.

Workers Defense organizations are equal opportunity employers and actively encourage and recruit people of color, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals to apply.