POSITION TITLE:    Voting Rights Staff Attorney 

SUPERVISOR:        Voting Rights Supervising Attorney 

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

LOCATION:    Position will be primarily remote in Texas.

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 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/. 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OR PROGRAM

TCRP’s Voting Rights team works to make sure every eligible Texan is able to cast a ballot that counts. We use litigation and advocacy to knock down barriers to voter registration, support grassroots voter mobilization efforts, and oppose new attempts to suppress voting. From the courts to the legislature to the polling place, we’re fighting for access to democracy for every one of our Texas neighbors. 

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.

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 and CIR 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

• At least two years post-J.D. experience (i.e., graduation date of 2022 or earlier). 
• 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 voting rights, election law and constitutional law 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 your cover letter and current resume to the following link: LINK HERE.

ABOUT THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT

We are Texas lawyers and advocates for Texas communities, boldly serving the movement for equality and justice in and out of the courts. We envision a Texas where all communities thrive with dignity and justice, and without fear.

TCRP believes that legal advocacy and litigation are critical tools to protect and advance the civil rights of everyone in Texas, particularly our State’s most vulnerable populations, and to effect positive and lasting change to law and policy. We believe that by serving the rising social justice movement in Texas with excellent legal representation and bold strategies, we can respond to the needs of the communities we serve. Learn more at www.txcivilrights.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

Every year, the Texas Civil Rights Project sponsors multiple legal fellows across our three programs (Beyond Borders, Criminal Injustice Reform, and Voting Rights) who can live anywhere in Texas and access our offices in Austin, Houston,  and Alamo (in the Rio Grande Valley).  We also consider fellowships to lead and expand our cross team collaborations on topics including Reproductive Justice, Disability Justice and LGBTQI+ Rights. These fellows are recent law school graduates or judicial clerks who obtain external funding to work with us, usually on a specific project for a predetermined period of time, usually 1 or 2 years. Opportunities for external funding are extremely diverse, including law firms, law schools, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and private foundations of all sizes. 

Over the last few years, fellows working at TCRP have been awarded fellowship funding from the following sources, among others:

• Equal Justice Works
•  Skadden 
• Justice Catalyst
• Open Society Foundations
• Kloiber Foundation
• Yale Law School
• Columbia Law School
• University of Texas School of Law

Fellowship Process

Fellowship applicants are usually required to seek sponsorship approval from a host organization (like TCRP) before applying for fellowship funding.  While we are sensitive to time constraints, our process for approving a potential fellow for sponsorship at TCRP is extensive, including application reviews within the organization, interviews, review of past work product and references, and a thorough evaluation of the applicant’s proposed project.  This process ensures we only sponsor fellowship applicants who have developed a project proposal that significantly advances our mission of seeking justice for Texas communities, but it also means that we are only able to sponsor a small number of the qualified applicants seeking to work with us. Limiting the number of fellows that we sponsor also allows us to work closely with applicants to develop a strong proposal for funding and to ensure that we have the resources to properly manage and train fellows once they get here.  

Because this process takes time, fellowship applicants are encouraged to apply for sponsorship at least 60 days in advance of any funding application deadline. If circumstances prevent an applicant from complying with this timeline, we encourage the applicant to contact our Fellowship Coordinator to discuss the situation.  

Because of the widely varying application deadlines for fellowship funding, TCRP accepts applications from fellowship applicants throughout the year.  Major fellowship funders (e.g., Equal Justice Works) usually have early fall deadlines, while many smaller funders (e.g., law schools) have deadlines in early spring.  

QUALIFICATIONS

To be eligible for a fellowship at TCRP, an applicant must meet the following basic criteria:

- Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school by the time the fellowship would begin;

- Completion of the bar exam of any U.S state or territory prior to beginning  the fellowship;

- Willingness to work in Texas at one of TCRP’s established offices; and

- Development of a project proposal that fits one of the three subject-matter areas in which TCRP works.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested and believe you meet these criteria and wish to complete your fellowship at TCRP, please submit the following sponsorship application materials:

1. Cover letter indicating:

- Why you are interested in working with TCRP

- Preferred practice group (BB/CI/VR)

- An idea for a proposed fellowship project

- Names and deadlines for any particular fellowship applications to which you are applying

- Interest in working in Texas  

2. Detailed resume

3. Writing sample of no more than 10 pages, preferably related to the subject matter of your proposed project idea.

4. A list of at least 3 references with at least 2 of these being professional references.

INCLUSION AND NON-DISCRIMINATION

TCRP values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture — women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, age, creed, religion, physical ability, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, previous incarceration, veteran status, union membership or activism, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

If you have any technical difficulties completing this form, please contact support@: info@texascivilrightsproject.org

POSITION TITLE:    Summer Law Clerk 

SUPERVISOR:          Legal Director

DATE EFFECTIVE:    We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by July 30, 2024.

 LOCATION:   Position will primarily be remote in Texas

TRAVEL:        (Moderate) 

JOB CLASSIFICATION:  Temporary (2025 Summer Law Clerk)

SALARY TIER LEVEL:  Not Applicable

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/. 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OR PROGRAM

We are Texas lawyers for Texas communities, boldly serving the movement for equality and justice in and out of the courts. We use our tools of litigation and legal advocacy to protect and advance the civil rights of everyone in Texas and we partner with communities across the state to serve the rising movement for social justice. In our thirty four year history, we have brought thousands of strategic lawsuits to protect and expand voting rights, challenge the injustices in our broken criminal justice system, and advance racial and economic justice.

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 Injustice, or Voting Rights Programs for the 2025 summer term. 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 family 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 Summer 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 400 hours of work over the course of the summer. 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.
• Strong academic record with a 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 exceptional 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 July 30, 2024. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.