POSITION TITLE:    Law Clerk Externship

SUPERVISOR:          Supervising Attorney

DATE EFFECTIVE:   We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by April 30, 2025

LOCATION:   Position will primarily be remote in Texas

TRAVEL:        (Moderate)

JOB CLASSIFICATION:  Temporary (2025-2026 Law Clerk Externship)

SALARY TIER LEVEL: TCRP expects law clerks to apply for school credit or school funding if possible, but will ensure all law clerks are compensated for their work with a set stipend if no other funding is available.

BARGAINING UNION ELIGIBILITY: Non-Union

ABOUT THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT

At TCRP, we are Texas lawyers for Texas communities. We use our unique community lawyering model to empower Texas communities and create the policy changes necessary for a fairer, more just Texas. In our 30+ year history, we have brought thousands of strategic lawsuits, defending voting rights, reforming systems of criminal (in)justice, and fighting for the rights of immigrant families and those in our borderland communities. Our efforts have helped countless low-income and otherwise marginalized Texans and have widely advanced equality and justice. Today — with dozens of high-caliber attorneys and professionals around the state and an extensive network of pro bono counsel and community allies —TCRP is among the most influential civil rights organizations in Texas.

TCRP comprises three regional offices across Texas with over 40 employees and an annual budget of over $7 million dollars. TCRP currently operates under a hybrid work policy, allowing remote work from anywhere in Texas and requiring travel and in-person attendance for specified work activities. The in-person activities are typically based out of any of the Texas Civil Rights Projects locations: Alamo (in the Rio Grande Valley), Austin, and Houston. We are proud of our work, welcome innovative thinkers, and offer flexibility to different people’s styles and strengths. Learn more at https://txcivilrights.org/.

 POSITION SUMMARY

The Texas Civil Rights Project is seeking positive, motivated, balanced, well-organized individuals to serve as law clerks in our Beyond Borders, Criminal Legal, or Voting Rights Programs for the 2025 fall or 2026 spring terms. TCRP is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic team and women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Our law clerks are a critical part of the TCRP team and will assist our attorneys with every aspect of our work, from investigating potential cases, crafting strategic advocacy plans and preparing complaints to assisting with discovery, briefing dispositive motions and trying cases in federal and state court.

 We are seeking highly motivated and passionate Law Clerks to join our dynamic team. As a Law Clerk, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in civil rights law and contribute to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on society. Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, you will assist with legal research, drafting legal documents, and supporting advocacy efforts on a variety of civil rights issues.

We ask that students commit to at least 120 hours of work over the course of the externship. This is a remote position with the option to work from one of our offices (Austin, Houston, and Alamo).

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

• Conduct legal research on various civil rights issues.
• Assist with drafting legal memoranda, briefs, and other documents.
• Review and analyze case law, statues, and regulations.
• Participate in meetings, hearings, and court proceedings.
• Support attorneys with case management and trial preparation.
• Contribute to community outreach and education initiatives.

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in an accredited law school program.
• Demonstrated interest in civil rights law.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast paced environment.
• Commitment to social justice and advancing civil rights for all individuals, with a passion for TCRP’s mission.
• Self-reliant and motivated with dedication to improving written and oral communication skills.
• Previous experience or coursework in civil rights, constitutional law, or related fields is preferred but not required.

 BENEFITS

• Hand-on experience in civil rights law and advocacy.
• Mentorship from experienced attorneys and legal professionals.
• Networking opportunities with great legal minds and  leaders in the civil rights community.
• Meaningful contribution to important social justice initiatives.
• Stipend or academic credit may be available depending on funding.

 INCLUSION AND NON-DISCRIMINATION

TCRP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds and strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment from candidates of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, religions, abilities, and backgrounds.  Research shows that while men apply for positions when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women, Black people, people of color and other underrepresented groups only apply when they check every box. If you feel like this is the position for you even though you don’t check every box please apply, you could be exactly what we’re looking for!

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample of (5-10 pages,) and list of references to the following link: LINK HERE. In your cover letter, please explain your interest in civil rights law and how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until April 30, 2025. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT seeks a Beyond Borders Legal Fellow 

POSITION TITLE: Beyond Borders Legal Fellow 

SUPERVISOR: Beyond Borders Supervising Attorney 

DATE EFFECTIVE: We will review applications on a rolling basis. 

LOCATION: Alamo, TX or remote from within the Rio Grande Valley or other Texas border community (including El Paso, Laredo, etc) 

TRAVEL: (Moderate) 

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time (Temporary Two Year Position) SALARY TIER LEVEL: $72,468-$105,448 (Tier 4, Attorneys) 

BARGAINING UNION ELIGIBILITY: Eligible for Duration of Fellowship 

ABOUT THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT 

At TCRP, we are Texas lawyers for Texas communities. We use our unique community lawyering model to empower Texas communities and create the policy changes necessary for a fairer, more just Texas. In our 30+ year history, we have brought thousands of strategic lawsuits, defending voting rights, reforming systems of criminal (in)justice, and fighting for the rights of immigrant families and those in our borderland communities. Our efforts have helped countless low-income and otherwise marginalized Texans and have widely advanced equality and justice. Today — with dozens of high-caliber attorneys and professionals around the state and an extensive network of pro bono counsel and community allies —TCRP is among the most influential civil rights organizations in Texas. 

TCRP comprises three regional offices across Texas with over 40 employees and an annual budget of over $7 million dollars. TCRP currently operates under a hybrid work policy, allowing remote work and requiring travel and in-person attendance for specified work activities. The in-person activities for this position are typically in the Rio Grande Valley. We are proud of our work, welcome innovative thinkers, and offer flexibility to different people’s styles and strengths. Learn more at https://txcivilrights.org/. 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM 

Our Beyond Borders team works in two core areas: humanitarian and state and local advocacy. Our Humanitarian work involves advocating for migrants to move across our border with dignity. We also advocate at the state and local level for good governance of border communities without economic exploitation. In solidarity with partner organizations and communities, our team aims to eliminate policies that perpetuate the harmful effects of militarization, cultural erasure, imprisonment, and exclusion along the Texas-Mexico border and across the state. 

ABOUT THE POSITION 

This position is a two year fellowship. Some travel to other parts of the state will be required as needed for the position and will be reimbursed accordingly. The Beyond Borders Fellow will be directly supervised by the Beyond Border’s Senior Supervising Attorney. 

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES 

Impact Litigation & Strategic Advocacy 

● Litigate TCRP cases in state and federal Texas courts as assigned by and under the supervision of the Beyond Borders Supervising Attorney. Includes conducting thorough and efficient investigations, contributing to strategy, drafting pleadings and affidavits, handling discovery, preparing and conducting depositions, and consulting with and preparing expert witnesses. 

● Research and write clear, concise, appropriately framed litigation memoranda and white papers. Participate in litigation panels and public education events, communicating effectively with all audiences. 

● Supervision of pro bono attorneys who are directly and strategically representing immigrants. 

Counseling Individual Clients and Non-Legal Coalition Partners 

● Build relationships with clients and coalition partners based on mutual respect, trust and dependability. 

● Engage with individual clients and organizational partners to learn about their concerns and to provide them with sound, reliable legal counsel. 

● Explain options, roadmap courses of action, discuss potential outcomes, and flag challenges -- whilst recognizing that people are experts in their own lives and communities. 

Programmatic, Communications, Development and Cross Team Support 

● Assist with designing and implementing strategic advocacy campaigns throughout Texas. Serve as a TCRP spokesperson through various communication and media outlets. 

● Assist in TCRP’s fund development efforts, including presentations and speaking engagements. 

● Contribute to litigation and other work in other programmatic areas as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS 

● Licensed to practice law in Texas, or licensed to practice law elsewhere and willing to become admitted in Texas, including, if applicable, sitting for and passing the Texas bar exam. 

● Track record of working collaboratively with diverse groups of individuals, with preference for experience in public interest coalitions. 

● Excellent research, writing, and oral communication skills. 

● Well-organized: able to meet deadlines without compromising the quality of work product; ability to multi-task and to prioritize; ability to juggle a heavy meetings calendar with substantive work; willingness to work long hours as necessary. 

● Critical, creative, innovative thinker with the ability to identify nuances, attend to detail, and to get in the weeds. 

● Issue spotter; self-starter; trouble shooter; tenacious; flexible. 

● A willingness to travel throughout the state of Texas. 

● A resilient, can-do attitude, with an openness to constructive criticism, evolving responsibilities, and shifting current events. 

● Demonstrated success in litigation in complex federal court litigation strongly preferred. ● Some familiarity with immigration law and constitutional law preferred. 

● Spanish language fluency is strongly preferred. 

COMPENSATION 

The salary for this position is based on years of experience with a range of $72,468-$105,448. TCRP also offers excellent benefits, professional development opportunities and a deep commitment to a meaningful work-life balance. 

BENEFITS 

We offer a broad range of benefits, including: 

● Four weeks paid vacation (prorated upon date of hire), up to sixteen weeks paid family leave (following a six month probationary period), paid sick time, and extensive holidays, including a two-week winter break at the end of the year and a wellness week in the summer. 

● Employer paid healthcare coverage for you and your dependents, including medical, dental and vision coverage. 

● 401K retirement plan. 

● Annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops.

INCLUSION AND NON-DISCRIMINATION 

TCRP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds and strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment from candidates of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, religions, abilities, and backgrounds. Research shows that while men apply for positions when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women, Black people, people of color and other underrepresented groups only apply when they check every box. If you feel like this is the position for you even though you don’t check every box please apply, you could be exactly what we’re looking for! 

We make reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees who have a disability. If you are in need of an accommodation to apply for one of our positions, contact HR at HR@texascivilrightsproject.org. 

HOW TO APPLY 

To apply, please submit a writing sample, cover letter, and current resume via Submittable.

POSITION TITLE:    Beyond Borders Staff Attorney

SUPERVISOR:        Beyond Borders Supervising Attorney

DATE EFFECTIVE:   We will review applications on a rolling basis.

LOCATION:    Alamo, TX or remote from within the Rio Grande Valley or other Texas 

border community (including El Paso, Laredo, etc)

TRAVEL:        (Moderate)

JOB CLASSIFICATION:  Full-Time

SALARY TIER LEVEL: $72,468-$105,448 (Tier 4, Attorneys)

BARGAINING UNION ELIGIBILITY: Union Eligible

ABOUT THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT

At TCRP, we are Texas lawyers for Texas communities. We use our unique community lawyering model to empower Texas communities and create the policy changes necessary for a fairer, more just Texas. In our 30+ year history, we have brought thousands of strategic lawsuits, defending voting rights, reforming systems of criminal (in)justice, and fighting for the rights of immigrant families and those in our borderland communities. Our efforts have helped countless low-income and otherwise marginalized Texans and have widely advanced equality and justice. Today — with dozens of high-caliber attorneys and professionals around the state and an extensive network of pro bono counsel and community allies —TCRP is among the most influential civil rights organizations in Texas.

TCRP comprises three regional offices across Texas with over 40 employees and an annual budget of over $7 million dollars. TCRP currently operates under a hybrid work policy, allowing remote work and requiring travel and in-person attendance for specified work activities. The in-person activities for this position are typically in the  Rio Grande Valley. We are proud of our work, welcome innovative thinkers, and offer flexibility to different people’s styles and strengths. Learn more at https://txcivilrights.org/.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OR PROGRAM

Our Beyond Borders team works in two core areas: humanitarian and state and local advocacy. Our Humanitarian work involves advocating for migrants to move across our border with dignity. We also advocate at the state and local level for good governance of border communities without economic exploitation. In solidarity with partner organizations and communities, our team aims to eliminate policies that perpetuate the harmful effects of militarization, cultural erasure, imprisonment, and exclusion along the Texas-Mexico border and across the state.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

Impact Litigation & Strategic Advocacy

• Litigate TCRP cases in state and federal Texas courts as assigned by and under the supervision of the Voting Rights Supervising Attorney. Includes conducting thorough and efficient investigations, contributing to strategy, drafting pleadings and affidavits, handling discovery, preparing and conducting depositions, and consulting with and preparing expert witnesses.
• Research and write clear, concise, appropriately framed litigation memoranda and white papers.  Participate in litigation panels and public education events, communicating effectively with all audiences.
• Supervision of pro bono attorneys who are directly and strategically representing immigrants. 

Counseling Individual Clients and Non-Legal Coalition Partners

• Build relationships with clients and coalition partners based on mutual respect, trust and dependability.
• Engage with individual clients and organizational partners to learn about their concerns and to provide them with sound, reliable legal counsel.
• Explain options, roadmap courses of action, discuss potential outcomes, and flag challenges -- whilst recognizing that people are experts in their own lives and communities.

Programmatic, Communications, Development and Cross Team Support

• Assist with designing and implementing strategic advocacy campaigns throughout Texas. Serve as a TCRP spokesperson through various communication and media outlets.
• Assist in TCRP’s fund development efforts, including presentations and speaking engagements.
• Contribute to litigation and other work in other programmatic areas as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed to practice law in Texas, or licensed to practice law elsewhere and willing to become admitted in Texas, including, if applicable, sitting for and passing the Texas bar exam.
• Track record of working collaboratively with diverse groups of individuals, with preference for experience in public interest coalitions.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral communication skills.
• Well-organized: able to meet deadlines without compromising the quality of work product; ability to multi-task and to prioritize; ability to juggle a heavy meetings calendar with substantive work; willingness to work long hours as necessary.
• Critical, creative, innovative thinker with the ability to identify nuances, attend to detail, and to get in the weeds.
• Issue spotter; self-starter; trouble shooter; tenacious; flexible.
• A willingness to travel throughout the state of Texas.
• A resilient, can-do attitude, with an openness to constructive criticism, evolving responsibilities, and shifting current events.
• Demonstrated success in litigation in complex federal court litigation strongly preferred.
• Some familiarity with immigration law  and constitutional law preferred.
• Spanish language fluency is strongly preferred. 

COMPENSATION

The salary for this position is based on years of experience with a range of $72,468-$105,448. TCRP also offers excellent benefits, professional development opportunities and a deep commitment to a meaningful work-life balance.

BENEFITS

We offer a broad range of benefits, including:

• Four weeks paid vacation (prorated upon date of hire), up to sixteen weeks paid family leave (following a six month probationary period), paid sick time, and extensive holidays, including a two-week winter break at the end of the year and a wellness week in the summer.
• Employer paid healthcare coverage for you and your dependents, including medical, dental and vision coverage.
• 401K retirement plan
• Annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops

INCLUSION AND NON-DISCRIMINATION

TCRP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds and strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment from candidates of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, religions, abilities, and backgrounds.  Research shows that while men apply for positions when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women, Black people, people of color and other underrepresented groups only apply when they check every box. If you feel like this is the position for you even though you don’t check every box please apply, you could be exactly what we’re looking for!

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a writing sample, cover letter, and current resume via Submittable.