The Staff Attorney will not only establish the new WDP office in Dallas, but will also have the opportunity to shape much of WDP’s legal program as the first attorney in the organization. This legal program will strengthen WDP’s organizing work by (1) designing and implementing innovative legal strategies that help win our workplace justice campaigns – which include direct action tactics; (2) providing technical legal support for WDP legislative and policy initiatives; and (3) directly representing WDP members in workplace-related employment and labor claims. The Staff Attorney will work in close collaboration with Austin staff, including the Workplace Justice Coordinator, to develop legal strategies that support WDP’s organizing goals and to ensure strong coordination on campaigns. The Staff Attorney will also assist in developing a Dallas worker/volunteer committee to conduct outreach to workers.
Primary Responsibilities:
→ Oversee WDP campaign efforts in the Dallas area, conducting legal research as needed.
→ Work collaboratively with partner attorneys on lawsuits representing workers in wage and hour cases.
→ Recruit, train, and supervise WDP Dallas staff and volunteers to serve as Workers Rights Advocates.
→ Work with Austin-based Executive Director to establish Dallas Office and oversee Dallas Office administrative functions including sending monthly reports to Austin about program outcomes, financial reports, and staff reports.
→ Develop and maintain strategic relationships with faith and labor allies, attorneys, state agencies, students, and other community allies.
Secondary Responsibilities:
→ Advocate WDP position to legislators, agencies, business/community decision-makers, other stakeholders, and the general public.
→ Participate in statewide strategy meetings with other worker center allies in Texas.
→ Identify and meet with potential funders for WDP.
→ Handle media communications with support of the Austin office.
Qualifications:
→ Admission to practice law in the state of Texas, or willingness to sit for the Texas Bar within 1 year of hire.
→ Previous experience with wage and hour law is desired but not required.
→ Commitment to helping cultivate a high-performing legal program that utilizes the law creatively in the fight for systemic change.
→ Ability to work independently and juggle multiple responsibilities.
→ Excellent time management and administrative skills.
→ Proven ability to supervise, mentor and develop staff.
→ Community organizing experience.
→ Deep commitment to furthering workers rights and the broader labor movement.
→ Fluency in English and Spanish (strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages).
→ Ability to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends (position is a full-time salaried position).
→ Ability to work well with diverse groups of people (including faith, labor, Latino immigrants, and African American community, among others).
→ Commitment to racial and economic justice and to bringing about change through leadership development and the principles of popular education.
Compensation:
→ Competitive Salary ($34,000 to 40,000 based on relevant experience)
→ Generous Benefit package (paid sick leave, two-weeks of vacation, 403b retirement plan, health insurance, and maternity/paternity leave).
Timeline: Applications Due by May 1, 2012. Hire date preferably by June 16, 2012- some flexibility possible.
How to apply: Send resume, cover letter, writing sample, and three professional references to Cristina Tzintzún, at
[email protected]
