Bayou City Waterkeeper (BCWK) seeks an early-career lawyer to join our team as a full-time Legal Fellow for two years. The Fellow will help BCWK use the law to advance a community-driven vision of water justice for the greater Houston region. The Fellow is expected to start by 9/5.

Job Description

The Legal Fellow will report directly to our Legal Director and support our ongoing legal work and related advocacy, helping us use bold action to advance water, climate, and infrastructure justice across greater Houston. As one of two lawyers on staff, the Legal Fellow will represent BCWK incivil litigation and administrative proceedings, analyze legal strategies for BCWK and our partners, write public comments, help translate our legal work through communications and education, and represent BCWK in coalitions.

The Legal Fellow will join our team for a two-year term. This is intended as an entry-level position, but lawyers with any level of experience are welcome to apply.

The Fellow will receive hands-on legal work and related advocacy experience, as well as regular feedback, mentoring, and training.

About Bayou City Waterkeeper

Bayou City Waterkeeper is a water justice organization working across the Lower Galveston Bay watershed that encompasses greater Houston, for more than two decades. With law and science, we work with local communities to build power, fill gaps in regulatory enforcement, and push back against water injustices and irresponsible development. Our key program areas are Clean Water, Protecting Wetlands, and Just Climate Transitions. Learn more on our website.

Our Values

Recognizing the complexities of our watershed, the challenges we face to protect our waters from the harms of urban development and industrial activities, and the importance of being responsive to the needs of the communities we serve, our work is guided and informed by five values:

● Interconnectivity: Collaborate across disciplines and create multiple ways to engage

● Fluidity: Embrace movement and adaptability in our work

● Bold action: Have hard conversations, disrupt dysfunctional systems, create new

frameworks, bring together unconventional allies, and move data and research into action

● Justice and equality: Call out and act to undo inequities in our watershed

● Regeneration: Embrace water as a site for healing, joy, celebration, reflection, and growth

2010 North Loop West, Ste 103 ∙ Houston, TX 77018 ∙ www.bayoucitywaterkeeper.org

Responsibilities

● Manage day-to-day legal work relating to sewage and stormwater pollution, wastewater

and stormwater permits, and other unpermitted pollution

● Research and analyze legal issues and help formulate strategies, set priorities, and

investigate and enforce legal violations across greater Houston

● Respond to community members confronting water-related issues, connect them to

resources and solutions, and help integrate their priorities into broader strategies

● In litigation, research legal issues and investigate facts; prepare Board litigation requests;

identify and interview members and draft standing declarations; write briefs, motions, and

memoranda; appear in court and argue; communicate with opposing counsel and

partners; and engage in discovery and review documents

● Work with science and policy staff, partners, and community members to draft written and

oral comments for permits, rulemakings, and environment review documents

● Create and deliver presentations related to our legal work to community groups, partners,

and the Legal Circle in person and virtually and support legal-related communications

● Represent BCWK in local and regional partnerships

● File, track, review, and analyze information requests

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates must have the following to be considered for the role:

● Juris Doctor by May 2023; and

● Admission to the State of Texas bar or plans to sit for the Texas bar exam in July 2023.

Highly competitive candidates will also have some combination of:***

● Demonstrated interest in building litigation skills, through law school clinic experience,

judicial clerkship, or litigation-oriented work, including internships or work as a paralegal

● Commitment to developing strong legal writing, analysis, and oral advocacy skills

● Comfort interpreting scientific and technical concepts

● Ability to translate legal and technical concepts to community members and partners

● Understanding of lawyers’ role in community-centered advocacy and familiarity with

movement lawyering, environmental justice, and just-climate-transitions concepts

● Commitment to deep listening to and with members of impacted communities and ability

to build trust with and nurture equitable relationships with community members

● Commitment to supporting impacted communities

● Commitment to racial justice, anti-racism, and understanding of and commitment to using

anti-racist lens in advancing justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility

● Strong interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and enthusiasm for teamwork

● Self-motivation, creativity, organizational skills, and a diligent and efficient work ethic

● Spanish fluency

● A love for our region

***Research shows that women and people of color are more hesitant to apply for a job because

they may not meet all of the qualifications listed. The candidate hired may not precisely meet all

of these qualifications, but will show the desire and capacity to grow into the role and fit within

our small, close-knit team. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe you have the skills

to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you.

Schedule/Location

We allow for flexible work schedules so our staff can be responsive to community needs and

balance work and personal responsibilities. Our standard week is 36-40 hours. Occasionally, more

than a regular week, including some evenings and weekends, will be necessary. Some local travel

is required. Our staff meets in person once per week, and when necessary or beneficial, the Legal

Fellow will be expected to appear in court, meet with partners, or attend other events in person

(COVID permitting). Otherwise, our work is virtual. Given the place-based, community-centered

nature of this work, the Legal Fellow must live within the Lower Galveston Bay watershed.

Salary & Benefits

$60,000. Benefits include: unlimited paid leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave;

subsidized group healthcare, dental, and vision coverage; BCWK-funded IRA contribution; and

negotiable flex hours. This is a full-time, at-will, exempt position.

Application Instructions

For equal consideration, please send a resume and letter explaining your interest to

careers@bayoucitywaterkeeper.org with subject line “BCWK Legal Fellow” by March 10, 2023.

The interview process will include three stages. A final decision is expected by the end of May.

The Fellow is expected to start by September 5 but may start as early as June 1, if they already

have passed the Bar exam.

Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our

mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an

equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that

employees and applicants for employment are given equal opportunities without regard to race,

color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition,

veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression,

genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

State Job Title: Law Clerk II up to and including Attorney III Posting #: 14-23-04-AT Closing Date: Until filled Location: Houston, Texas Salary Range: $ 5,000 to 8,137.86 per month Start Date: As soon as possible (depending on experience) This is a fixed term assignment that begins as soon as possible and ends August 31, 2024, with the potential for a permanent position.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION: The Fourteenth Court of Appeals, Houston, Texas, is accepting applications for a staff attorney or law clerk assigned to chambers. The attorney in this position is expected to perform highly advanced work with in-depth analysis and presentment of legal issues. The position provides opportunities to use initiative and mature judgment in assisting the justices in the disposition of appeals and original proceedings. In helping to process the work of the chambers, the attorney provides advice and counsel to the justice in the assigned chambers as well as to other members of the court. The attorney reviews records and briefs, conducts legal research, and makes recommendations to justices. Working with direction from the assigned justice, the attorney prepares written memoranda and initial drafts of court opinions. The job requires a strong command of appellate law and procedure and a strict adherence to rules of confidentiality and judicial ethics.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Applicants must have the ability to work independently. Essential job functions for the position include: • reviewing appellate records and filings to assist justices in resolving issues presented in civil and criminal appeals and original proceedings; • conducting electronic legal research and, when necessary, manual research; • analyzing statutes, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; • assessing cases for jurisdictional issues and attending to special problems and administrative matters; • consulting with members of the court in connection with the court’s disposition of substantive and procedural issues, formulating recommendations to panel members, and preparing memoranda and initial drafts of proposed opinions and judgments; • assisting with review of motions and preparation of separate writings and related work, as assigned; • assisting panel members in preparation for oral argument, including making oral presentations addressing appellate points, attending oral argument and participating in pre-submission and postsubmission conferences among justices, and attending to follow-up research and record review. • reviewing motions for rehearing and making recommendations to panel members; and • generally helping to process the work of the chambers, observing court rules, following court processes and procedures, and maintaining confidences of the court.

FOURTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS JOB VACANCY NOTICE Posting #: 14-23-04-AT MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have the following qualifications: • Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree and eligible to sit for the Texas Bar Exam; • knowledge of legal principles in civil areas; • knowledge of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, Uniform System of Citation, and Texas Rules of Form. • ability to identify, analyze, and resolve legal and procedural issues and to present findings and conclusions, both orally and in writing. • excellent legal-research skills, including a proficiency in computer research and cite checking; • excellent legal writing, editing, and proofing skills; • word processing skills; • ability to prepare, plan, and organize work, and to communicate clearly and effectively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Graduation from an accredited law school and license to practice law in the State of Texas; • Previous appellate court experience; • One/ to six years’ experience in private practice; • Top 20% of law school graduating class; • Experience on a law review, law journal, or other publication; or • Moot court and/or mock trial experience.

RELATED MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES: Veterans, Reservists, or Guardsmen with a MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields of 27A Judge Advocate General, 250X Judge Advocate General Corps, LG10 or 04 Legal, 4410 Master of Law (General), and 44 Legal services or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirement may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are encouraged to apply. Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at: http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf. FOURTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS JOB VACANCY NOTICE Posting #: 14-23-04-AT E-VERIFY: This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Submit a single complete electronic application consisting of the following in pdf format: 1. resume or curriculum vitae; 2. electronically-signed State of Texas Job Application for employment; available on the Fourteenth Court’s website career page. (http://www.txcourts.gov/14thcoa/careers/ ) (www.twc.state.tx.us/jobs/gvjb/stateapp.pdf.); 3. law school transcripts and class rank or explanation from law school of general percentile rankings; 1 4. writing sample; 5. three references familiar with the applicant’s work product and work habits; and 6. cover letter. Email completed applications to 14thHR@txcourts.gov. You may also email any questions to 14thHR@txcourts.gov. Personal interviews will be conducted by invitation only. The Fourteenth Court of Appeals is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability in employment or in the provision of services. Minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the applicant to the Clerk of the Court.

• Juris doctorate from a recognized law school
• Active bar membership
• 4-6 years relevant legal experience in securities, corporate, finance and/or corporate governance in law firm or in-house legal department

 Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL), the pro bono service arm of the Houston Bar Association, provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals who need assistance with criminal expunctions, family law, guardianship, estate planning, probate, tax disputes with the IRS, landlord/tenant disputes, homeownership, consumer issues, and bankruptcy matters. HVL looks to hire an attorney.

This position requires a high degree of professionalism and self-motivation. Key Areas of Responsibilities • Deliver client-centered legal services at a fast-paced non-profit legal organization. •

Recruit and mentor pro bono attorneys who assist HVL clients. • Develop partnerships to reach target individuals in need of free legal services. Education and Experience Required • Juris Doctor and State Bar licensure in Texas, in good standing. • Excellent time management & prioritization skills. • Strong legal analysis skills, writing skills, and communication skills. • Comfort with working with those in recovery at drug treatment centers, resource centers, and specialized courts. •

Ability to engage compassionately with individuals facing barriers accessing legal services. • One-year litigation experience.

To Apply Submit a Cover Letter, Resume, and three Professional References to recruitment@hvlp.org.

Priority will be given to individuals who apply by February 6. Annual Salary and Benefits

This position is a full-time position. Salary is $71,000 – $80,000 commensurate with experience.

Benefits include health, vision and dental insurance; a 401k defined contribution retirement plan; paid State of Texas Bar dues and Houston Bar Association dues, professional development training.

HVL’s current policy is to permit its attorneys to work three days from the office and two days’ remotely. Houston Volunteer Lawyers is committed to equal opportunity.

HVL not discriminate against any person based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, ability, gender, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or other characteristics protected by law. Applicants committed to justice and equality from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and identities

State Job Title: Attorney V Posting#: 01-23-02-CSA Application Closing

Date: February 15, 2023 Start Date: to be determined Salary Range: $9,333.33 per month to $9,630.57 per month Location: Houston, Texas GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION: The First Court of Appeals, Houston, Texas, is accepting applications for the position of Chief Staff Attorney. The Chief Staff Attorney serves as a chambers attorney to the Chief Justice and serves in an administrative role to the Court overall. The general role of the Chief Staff Attorney in the chambers of the Chief Justice includes performing highly advanced legal work in complex civil and criminal cases, supervising other attorneys in the chambers, and facilitating the efficient movement of cases to achieve legislative performance measures. The administrative role of the Chief Staff Attorney includes serving as an informational resource to the Court and advising and assisting, when called upon, chambers attorneys and central staff attorneys in resolving legal and procedural matters presented in appeals and original proceedings. The Chief Staff Attorney communicates global directives of the justices to Court attorneys and assists with implementation. The Chief Staff Attorney may be called upon to assist the Court with staffing and may act as a liaison in personnel matters. The position permits remote work two days a week. The Chief Staff Attorney works with direction from the justices, with the opportunity to use initiative and mature judgment. Applicants must have the ability to work independently. The position requires a strong command of appellate law and procedure and a strict adherence to rules of confidentiality and judicial ethics.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Submit a single complete electronic application consisting of the following in pdf format:

1. resume or curriculum vitae;

2. electronically-signed State of Texas Job Application for employment; available on the First

Court’s website career page. (http://www.txcourts.gov/1stcoa/careers/ )

(www.twc.state.tx.us/jobs/gvjb/stateapp.pdf.);

3. law school transcripts and class rank or explanation from law school of general percentile rankings

4. writing sample;

5. three references familiar with the applicant’s work product and work habits; and

6. cover letter.

Email completed applications 1stHR@txcourts.gov. Any questions regarding the positions should also be sent to 1stHR@txcourts.gov.

Personal interviews will be conducted by invitation only.

The First Court of Appeals is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of

race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability in employment or in the provision of services.

Minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to the Americans with

Disabilities Act, requests for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be

communicated by the applicant to the Clerk of the Court.

Law firm specializing in complex litigation with a focus on employment class actions/collective actions, medical malpractice and mass torts has an opening for a licensed litigation associate with 2+ years of experience. This position involves litigation across the country and regular appearances in federal court.  Friendly working environment with casual attire. 

Job Purpose:
Litigate and represent clients while leading a team of legal assistants and law clerks.

Duties:
* Assist in the litigation of complex legal matters, including presenting and taking depositions, drafting legal motions, and arguing in court.

* Manage cases through discovery, mediation, trial, and settlement.

* Provide clients with legal advice by conducting legal research and staying abreast of case developments.

* Supervise a team of legal assistants and law clerks and provide legal guidance; monitor case progress; maintain quality service.

Skills/Qualifications:
Federal practice experience is preferred 

2+ years of prior legal experience 

Research Skills, Written Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Knowledge of Litigation Practices, Client Contact Skills, Planning, Good Attitude

Salary:  $100,000.00 base salary plus attractive performance bonuses and includes 401(k), Health, Vision and Dental Insurance, Paid holidays and Paid Time Off; Free parking; Bar Dues and CLE Allowance

Experience Required:    2+ years

Education Required:      Juris Doctorate

Job Type:                             Full Time Employee

THIS IS NOT A REMOTE POSITION

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Send resume to:kblack@hftrialfirm.com

Law firm specializing in complex litigation with a focus on employment class actions/collective actions, medical malpractice and mass torts has an opening for a licensed litigation associate with 2+ years of experience. This position involves litigation across the country and regular appearances in federal court.  Friendly working environment with casual attire. 

Job Purpose:
Litigate and represent clients while leading a team of legal assistants and law clerks.

Duties:
* Assist in the litigation of complex legal matters, including presenting and taking depositions, drafting legal motions, and arguing in court.

* Manage cases through discovery, mediation, trial, and settlement.

* Provide clients with legal advice by conducting legal research and staying abreast of case developments.

* Supervise a team of legal assistants and law clerks and provide legal guidance; monitor case progress; maintain quality service.

Skills/Qualifications:
Federal practice experience is preferred 

2+ years of prior legal experience 

Research Skills, Written Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Knowledge of Litigation Practices, Client Contact Skills, Planning, Good Attitude

Salary:  $100,000.00 base salary plus attractive performance bonuses and includes 401(k), Health, Vision and Dental Insurance, Paid holidays and Paid Time Off; Free parking; Bar Dues and CLE Allowance

Experience Required:    2+ years

Education Required:      Juris Doctorate

Job Type:                             Full Time Employee

THIS IS NOT A REMOTE POSITION

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Send resume to:kblack@hftrialfirm.com

y now »

Staff Attorney - Litigation

Requisition Number:  6123

Pay Rate:  PGR14

Description: 

Basic Function

Provides sound, ethical, reliable, professional advice and counsel, and legal representation to METRO, primarily in the areas of personal injury and recovery of property damage. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures. 

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Represents the agency in litigation and other proceedings before courts primarily concerning personal injury and property damage claims.
• Provides legal advice and counsel to management, including risk management and other departments, regarding potential and actual claims and other matters.
• Negotiates disputes and analyzes liability or litigation exposure.
• Provides well-reasoned, thorough legal opinions and guidance on various legal matters affecting METRO.
• Advises and recommends safety and other procedures to reduce litigation risk.
• Conducts depositions and participates in mediations.
• Conducts legal research on a variety of topics and issues related to current and potential litigation matters
• Assists in the drafting of motions, briefs, memoranda of law, and other legal documents
• Manages and organizes discovery requests and responses.
• Assists General Counsel with legal issues, maintains strict confidentiality and discretion in all aspects of representation
• Advocates for METRO’s interests in public forums when necessary, including public hearings, administrative proceedings, congressional proceedings, local or state governmental proceedings, and any other necessary forum
• Exhibits exemplary teamwork and spirit of common purpose in the Legal Department
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

Doctor of Jurisprudence degree is required.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum three (3) years’ experience in litigation practice and personal injury jury trial experience; first chair experience preferred; extensive deposition experience.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Active license to practice law in the State of Texas.  Knowledge of Texas rules of civil procedures, policies and other legal and court procedures, terminology, and documents; knowledge of the Texas Tort Claims Act; excellent research and writing skills.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.

https://career4.successfactors.com/careers?company=harrismetr

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Email:  jonny.havens@havenspllc.com

Basic Function

Provides sound, ethical, reliable, professional legal advice and counsel to the Metropolitan Transit Authority.  Performs duties with utmost care and attention in reviewing legal matters. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Develops terms and conditions of contracts for all assigned procurement projects
• Negotiates, drafts, and/or reviews transactions, contracts, agreements, memorandums of understanding, and various other legal documents
• Researches legal issues related to transit law, administrative law, public law, regulatory or contractual matters
• Drafts and reviews scope of services, requests for proposals, requests for qualifications and other procurement related documents
• Reviews federal and state legislative language and researches its effect on METRO, and drafts alternative language if needed
• Provides advice and counsel during transactional/contract development drafting and negotiations regarding potential or actual disputes, legal issues, liability and analyzes liability or litigation exposure
• Researches, drafts, and develops agency guidelines and policies
• Assists litigation counsel in contract or transactional claim development, defense or prosecution
• Provides advice and counsel to Records Management division regarding METRO’s compliance with the Local Government Records Act
• Provides advice and counsel to Open Records division regarding METRO’s compliance with the Texas Public Information Act including drafting briefs to the Attorney General
• Assists General Counsel with legal issues related to METRO board governance matters Maintains strict confidentiality and discretion in all aspects of client representation
• Advocates for METRO’s interests in public forums when necessary, including public hearings, administrative proceedings, congressional proceedings, local or state governmental proceedings, and any other necessary forum
• Exhibits exemplary teamwork and spirit of common purpose in the Legal Department
• Provides well-reasoned, thorough legal opinions and guidance on all legal matters affecting METRO
• Assists and advises in regulatory and compliance audits as well as guidelines and procedures to all business partners
• Assists METRO clients to ensure compliance with federal, state, county, and local codes, laws, rules, guidelines, and regulations
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or school of law. Doctor of Jurisprudence preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Three (3) years’ experience in the practice of law; some experience in public law, contract law, transactional development drafting and negotiations preferred.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Active license to practice law in the State of Texas.  Knowledge of legal and court procedures, terminology, and documents; Governmental and/or administrative contract and transactional experience preferred.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.

Questions:  Elonda.Dennis@ridemetro.org