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Work with Us

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 open positions. 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. 
 

Applicants with lived experiences that inform an authentic understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable communities and a sophisticated understanding of the historical nature of structural power differences are enthusiastically encouraged to apply.

TCRP also offers excellent benefits, professional development opportunities and a deep commitment to a meaningful work-life balance. We envision and work towards an organization that reflects the communities we serve and a culture of ​radical inclusion, ​continuous growth​, and openness. TCRP benefits include employer-paid health insurance, four weeks paid vacation, eight weeks paid family leave (with avenues to extend leave to 14 weeks in total), a professional development budget annually, and extensive holidays.

EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES

  • Legal Fellowship
    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
  • Legislative Coordinator Position (Short-Term Employment)
    POSITION TITLE: Legislative Coordinator Position (Short-Term Employment) SUPERVISOR: Associate Policy Director DATE EFFECTIVE: We will review applications on a rolling basis and give priority to applications submitted by December 31, 2024 LOCATION: Position will be primarily remote in Texas TRAVEL: (Moderate) JOB CLASSIFICATION: Temporary SALARY TIER LEVEL:$51,084 - $67,122 BARGAINING UNION ELIGIBILITY: Not 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 At TCRP, we are Texas lawyers for Texas communities. We use legal advocacy and litigation to empower Texas communities and create change. 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. We are proud of our work, welcome innovative thinkers, and offer flexibility to people’s unique styles and strengths. In recent years the Texas Legislature has embarked on an aggressive campaign to restrict civil rights in the Lone Star State. As a result, TCRP has become more involved in the legislative process to protect the basic freedoms of all Texans – especially those of marginalized communities whose voices are rarely heard in the halls of power. As the Texas progressive movement’s go-to lawyers, we can support advocacy in the Legislature in ways that almost no other organization can – such as by empowering grassroots organizations with quick and detailed analyses of complicated bills, spotting obscure opportunities in legislative rules and processes for effective advocacy, expanding the diversity of existing coalitions by bringing new groups into the fold, and uniting the movement behind joint advocacy efforts. In anticipation of new attacks on civil rights during the 89th Legislative Session that begins in January 2025, we are seeking a Legislative Coordinator to build and operate the infrastructure of our legislative program. The Legislative Coordinator will hold primary responsibility for tracking bills and key relationships; coordinating internal and external meetings; representing TCRP in certain coalition spaces; assisting with legislative session-related education and other public materials; and providing other key administrative functions for this body of work. This position is a term position that will end on June 15, 2025, with a possible extension to include one or more Special Sessions. To apply, please follow application details within this link. ABOUT THE POSITION This position is a short-term employment position that will end on June 15, 2025, with a possible extension to include one or more Special Sessions. Some travel to other parts of the state will be required as needed for the position and will be reimbursed accordingly. The Legislative Coordinator will be directly supervised by TCRP’s Associate Director of Policy. RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES Track bills and key relationships with legislative and grassroots allies; Coordinate internal and external meetings; Represent TCRP in coalition spaces related to legislative advocacy; Assist with legislative session-related education and other public materials; Coordinate with members of all three TCRP legal programs doing legislative work to ensure they have the tools they need to perform their work and that our teams are not working at cross purposes; Develop relationships with partner organizations, legislative members and staff, and other legislative stakeholders; Monitor legislative hearings; and Provide other key administrative functions for this body of work QUALIFICATIONS Experience working on progressive issues, including in particular in the Texas Legislature or in local Texas government Strong experience in community or labor organizing or working on political campaigns Excellent written and verbal communication skills Proficiency in the Google Suite – particularly Google Sheets – and Microsoft Excel. Experience with the Telicon legislative tracking tool and Texas Legislature Online is a plus Ability to take initiative, solve problems, and quickly jump onto urgent matters as they come up Ability to build strong relationships across diverse communities—including in particular communities of color, persons with disabilities, and immigrant communities—and across different teams internally Ability to get people to take action, including being able to tell a compelling story about why this work is important Can juggle and prioritize across multiple projects without dropping any balls Can spot opportunities and jump on them An understanding of the civil rights landscape in Texas, and a passion to make it better Ability to read, write, and speak a language other than English is a plus Ability to occasionally work outside of traditional business hours to meet the needs of a busy legislative session COMPENSATION The salary for this position is based on years of experience with a range of $51,084 - $67,122. 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: .
  • Beyond Borders Staff Attorney
    POSITION TITLE: Beyond Borders Staff Attorney SUPERVISOR: Beyond Borders Supervising Attorney DATE EFFECTIVE: We will review applications on a rolling basis. LOCATION: Alamo, TX or remote from within the Rio Grande Valley or other Texas border community (including El Paso, Laredo, etc) 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 and requiring travel and in-person attendance for specified work activities. The in-person activities for this position are typically in the Rio Grande Valley. 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 Our Beyond Borders team works in two core areas: humanitarian and state and local advocacy. Our Humanitarian work involves advocating for migrants to move across our border with dignity. We also advocate at the state and local level for good governance of border communities without economic exploitation. In solidarity with partner organizations and communities, our team aims to eliminate policies that perpetuate the harmful effects of militarization, cultural erasure, imprisonment, and exclusion along the Texas-Mexico border and across the state. 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. Supervision of pro bono attorneys who are directly and strategically representing immigrants. 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 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 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 immigration law and constitutional law preferred. Spanish language fluency is strongly 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 a writing sample, cover letter, and current resume via Submittable.
  • Digital Coordinator
    POSITION TITLE: Digital Coordinator SUPERVISOR: Digital Communications Manager DATE EFFECTIVE: We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by January 31, 2024 LOCATION: Position will primarily be remote in Texas TRAVEL: (Moderate) JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-time SALARY TIER LEVEL: Tier 2: $55,836-$71,874 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 criminal (in)justice systems, 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. 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 COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT As part of our mission to fight for Texas communities both in and out of the courts, TCRP understands that narratives are power. Narratives develop over time and they have enormous impacts on the work that we are able to accomplish through the courts, at the legislature, and in the minds of Texans from all walks of life. Our communications department centers the idea of narrative power at the core of our work, along with the idea of meeting our communities where they are at, and sharing stories in order to make lasting change. Our team works closely with programs across TCRP to ensure that the voice of our work is one. We believe that through our voice and imagery, we can paint a clearer portrait of both reality and what is possible for the communities we serve. POSITION SUMMARY TCRP understands the importance of being online. Over the past few years, TCRP has developed a significant digital audience that we are increasingly able to mobilize to take action on our goals - through petitions, event attendance, grassroots contributions, earned media, and more. The Digital Coordinator will be responsible for engaging and growing our online community through our various digital channels through digital organizing and strategic content creation. As part of this work, the Digital Coordinator will: Create concise, eye-catching, and innovative digital content for our social media platforms, emails, leaning into graphics, video, trends, and other creative opportunities to elevate our messaging. Engage supporters for our campaigns and drive measurable online actions. Collaborate with staff to develop content based on our cases and campaigns that advances our legal and policy goals and distills complex legal and policy into accessible formats for varying audiences: from migrants at the border to our regular financial supporters. Research and stay up-to-date with the latest news related to TCRP’s different legal programs and specific campaigns in order to identify opportunities and rapid response moments for TCRP to comment on breaking news. Review and edit draft content, written, graphic, and video, of other TCRP staff for our digital channels. Use graphic and video editing tools to paint the digital picture for TCRP’s work. To succeed in this role, the ideal candidate should have the following characteristics: Commitment to addressing race, class, gender, and other equity issues as part of your work as well as the impact these structural issues have on our collective work environment. Be very online. You have a deep understanding of how different social media platforms work, their typical audiences, and the tone best suited for each. You understand what makes for compelling content that moves people to action. Experience with social media management systems (i.e. Sprout Social) and SEO a plus. Excellent strategic thinker. Able to set goals and execute strategies and tactics to achieve them, including incorporating metrics and data analytics. You can adjust strategies and approaches when your first (or eighth) attempt isn't getting you the results you need. Sharp writing skills. The role will require you to draft content for all of our digital channels, ranging from Instagram captions to 500-word blog posts, distilling complex ideas into digestible content for digital audiences. Thrives in a collaborative environment. The digital coordinator will have to work with various departments, with partner organizations, and with the Director of Communications in order to stay abreast of our various programs and aligned with our overall messaging strategy. COMPENSATION The salary for this position is based on years of experience with a range of $55,836-$71,874. 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 resume and cover letter via Submittable.

Every year, the Texas Civil Rights Project sponsors multiple legal fellows across our three programs (Beyond Borders, Criminal Justice Reform, and Voting Rights) and in all of our five offices across the State (Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Rio Grande Valley).  

 

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.

To view full fellowship description and apply, click here.

FELLOWSHIPS

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Part of our mission is building up the next generation of leaders to power this movement, and we are so proud that we can offer this opportunity to young law students. 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 ask that students commit to at least 400 hours of work over the course of the summer. We have opportunities available at all of our 5 offices across Texas (Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Alamo). Click here to apply.

SUMMER LAW CLERKS

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