Description:

A Non-Profit Organization seeks a Staff Attorney. The Staff Attorney will work as part of the Heirs' Property Campaign in support of MCJ's legal and policy advocacy.

MCJ is a nonprofit, public interest law firm committed to advancing racial and economic justice statewide. Our lawyers work with community leaders to support their social justice campaigns and to channel the energies of the legal community to combat discrimination and poverty. With offices in Jackson, Biloxi, and Indianola, we seek systemic solutions that support a fair and just criminal justice system for juveniles and adults, protect the rights of consumers, secure access to healthcare, protect voting rights for all, and make fair and affordable housing available for all Mississippians.

Position Summary:
As a full-time employee*, based in Jackson, Mississippi and reporting to the Director of MCJ's Heirs' Property Campaign, the Staff Attorney will perform such duties as conducting client intakes and providing consultations and direct legal representation on legal matters pertaining to heirs' property, tenancy in common rights, probate estate administration, intestate inheritance, chain of title issues, tax sales, quiet title actions, land partition matters, and the drafting of wills. The position also requires full participation in community outreach efforts and events, which may include occasional evening and weekend work.

While a full-time candidate is preferred, a contractual position is an option.

Job Responsibilities:

The Staff Attorney's duties will include:

Direct Legal Services

Maintain an active caseload of heirs' property title clearing and probate matters
Perform legal research and prepare petitions, memoranda, court pleadings, motions, and briefs
Conduct intake calls with potential clients, follow up for requested information, summarize the facts of the case, and present the case to staff for consideration
Review requests for service and offer counsel and advice to individuals with questions about heirs' property in Mississippi
Lead family meetings to discuss heirs' property issues and facilitate agreements regarding property goals
Assist families with bringing title up to date by filing actions to determine heirship and preparing and filing appropriate deeds and other legal documents
Organize and maintain client files, client information, case notes, case strategy, case expenses, and case deadlines in case management database. Implement organization systems to achieve effective workloads and case flow.
Travel to various locations throughout the state of Mississippi and appear in court hearings, trials, meetings, conferences, etc.
Keep the Heirs' Property Director fully informed on client cases and all-important external factors influencing the cases.

Communications, Outreach, and Education

Collaborate with Heirs Property Campaign Outreach Coordinator to prepare and provide outreach, education, and technical assistance and develop educational materials for property owners, attorneys, nonprofits, and municipalities about heirs' property issues.
Assist and present at Heirs' Property Prevention and Wills Clinics
Prepare estate plans
Other responsibilities as assigne

Qualifications

Licensed to practice law in Mississippi and a member in good standing with the Mississippi Bar
Excellent written, interpersonal, and verbal communications skills
Excellent organizational skills, detailed oriented, strong time-management skills
Self-starter who is able to multi-task and meet deadlines
Ability to work independently and also within a team
Proficient in Microsoft Word, familiar with Microsoft Office Suite
Experience with MEC and CM/ECF
Preference to applicants with experience with Clio and/or case management software
Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to MCJ's mission