Memphis Area Legal Services seeks Staff Attorney

Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS) is the primary provider of civil legal representation for low income individuals and families in Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton counties in Tennessee who are facing critical, sometimes life-threatening situations. Legal assistance is provided through advice and counsel, representation in court and administrative proceeding, and community education and outreach to vulnerable residents. Since 1970, MALS has grown to become a multi-faceted community law firm guided by values and principles that embody its commitment to equal access to justice for all.
MALS has an annual budget of approximately $4M million with funding from the Legal Services Corporation, as well as various federal, state, and local sources of grant funding and private donations.
Location: Covington, Tennessee

Basic Functions:
Memphis Area Legal Services is seeking an attorney with strong litigation, analytical, and organizational skills to provide legal representation to eligible clients. Essential functions include developing a good working rapport with clients; conducting interviews, including home visits when appropriate; giving legal advice; and performing other case management duties and responsibilities.
The Attorney will conduct legal research; prepare and draft legal documents, pleadings, motions, briefs, appeals, case memos and referral memoranda as appropriate. In addition, the attorney will provide a full range of legal services to clients, including advice, negotiations, representation in state and federal court, and administrative advocacy.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
Must be a member of the Tennessee State Bar or willing to take the next available bar exam and have a demonstrated interest in assisting low-income people and conducting aggressive advocacy. Litigation experience preferred. Strong interpersonal, verbal and writing skills required. Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted, and high-volume atmosphere, and possess organizational and analytical skills to manage administrative and client advocacy responsibilities.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary DOE with excellent benefits, including 401(K).

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Applications for the position should include a cover letter, detailing the candidate’s qualifications for the position, a resume, and a writing sample. Applications should be e-mailed to: HR@ malsi.org in Word or PDF format.
Inquiries regarding this position may be directed to Elaine St. Clemmons, Chief Operations Officer at estclemmons@malsi.org

MALS is an E.O.E.