Description
Salary Range:
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
About SMU
SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.
SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.
SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.
About the Position:
This role is an on-campus, in-person position.
The Staff Attorney/Law Fellow will report to and collaborate with the Director of the Civil/Consumer Clinic and will join a vibrant clinical program at SMU of 9 clinics, and 2 fellows. The Staff Attorney will work closely with the Director to launch a new Homestead Preservation Project initiative in the Civil/Consumer Clinic to provide education and remediation to homeowners of heirs’ property (property acquired through inheritance without record ownership). The Staff Attorney will work with SMU faculty, staff and students to develop training curriculum and perform the day-to-day work of the Clinic, including supervising students, assisting with the development of curriculum and teaching with primary responsibility for managing the Clinic’s Homestead Preservation cases.
This is a full-time position for a one-year term and is benefits-eligible. Reappointment for an additional one-year term is possible based on performance and funding.
Essential Functions:
To serve as the primary lawyer responsible for working with the community partners to schedule, staff and attend workshops and other community outreach events associated with the Homestead Preservation Project.
To work with existing faculty to develop training modules for law students to provide remediation and education within the community.
To recruit, train, and serve as a resource to pro bono attorneys who participate in workshops and community outreach events to provide necessary legal representation.
To provide pro bono legal representation through the Homestead Preservation Project.
To provide supervision to SMU Law students in the Clinic, including feedback, mentoring, and training in accordance with the Rules Governing the Supervised Practice of Law by Qualified Law Students and Qualified Unlicensed Law School Graduates in Texas.
Responsibilities include up to 8-10 evening or weekend community law clinics or workshops spread throughout the year and occasional travel throughout Dallas County in connection with workshops, clinics or meetings.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Juris Doctor is required.
A minimum of one year of law practice experience is required; three years of law practice experience is preferred. Additional work experience or judicial clerkship or clerkships are desirable but not required. The Staff Attorney/Law Fellow must be a member of the Texas bar in good standing.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suites.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Sit for long periods of time
Deadline to Apply:
This position is open until filled.
Priority consideration will be given to those who apply by February 23, 2026.
EEO Statement
SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Benefits:
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.
Requirements
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Juris Doctor is required.
A minimum of one year of law practice experience is required; three years of law practice experience is preferred. Additional work experience or judicial clerkship or clerkships are desirable but not required. The Staff Attorney/Law Fellow must be a member of the Texas bar in good standing.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suites.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Sit for long periods of time
Deadline to Apply:
This position is open until filled.
Priority consideration will be given to those who apply by February 23, 2026.
