Staff Attorney, Advocate Department

Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community. As an Orlando Business Journal’s 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree, Orlando Sentinel’s 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, and a SHRM Mental Health Ally, Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

CLS offers:

• 15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off
• Excellent physical/mental health, vision, and benefits (With 95% of benefits paid for by company)
• 100% Coverage with Dental Benefits, Life Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability
• 100% 403B match up to 5% after 1 year of employment
• CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits
• Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Fantastic work-life balance
• Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
• Pet Insurance
• Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company wide retreats, activities, and challenges!

CLS is currently searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fill the following position:

Staff Attorney, Advocacy Department

OVERVIEW
The Staff Attorney of the Advocacy Department provides comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in civil cases in accordance with Community Legal Services’ (CLS) mission and priorities, other program policies, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, and Florida’s 2001 Plan for Legal Services. The Staff Attorney is responsible for assisting with case development, case strategy and procedure, and will serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in selected cases. In addition to handling case work, the Staff Attorney will support the Director of Advocacy on special projects that advance CLS’s strategic advocacy goals, acting as the project manager for those initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Regular client interaction including completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing legal assistance ranging from brief advice and counsel to full representation to eligible clients. 
2. Assist the Director of Advocacy with assigned cases as needed.
3. Work with Director of Advocacy on strategic advocacy plans supporting non-litigation advocacy undertaken by other substantive law units.
4. Assist as directed with project management elements of CLS’ Advocacy Plan, including participating in impact litigation cases.
5. Assist the Director of Advocacy and substantive law unit managers in mentoring and supporting the professional development of attorneys, paralegals, advocates, and volunteers, including assisting with the development of training programs.
6. Be prepared to co-counsel or cover cases as needed for attorneys/advocates.
7. Support all reporting and compliance efforts with respect to program initiatives, including grant reports.
8. Contribute to the development of organizational policy positions and strategies, particularly those that require non-litigation advocacy tools.
9. Participate in organizational strategic planning, providing insights on how litigation and legal advocacy can support the nonprofit’s goals.
10. Work closely with other departments (e.g., communications, development, pro bono, etc.) to align advocacy efforts with organizational initiatives and campaigns.
11. At the discretion of the Director of Advocacy, serve as a messenger in public forums, media, and community events, articulating the firm’s advocacy strategies and positions.
12. Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to support advocacy efforts.
13. Assist in the development and management of the advocacy department budget, ensuring effective use of resources for maximum impact.
14. Other duties as assigned in furtherance of the mission of CLS.

REQUIREMENTS

1.  Commitment:       

1. Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
2. Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

2. Qualifications: 

• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and in good standing.
• Minimum of five (5) years of legal practice experience, including work on federal and state cases.
• Experience with legal nonprofit organizations preferred.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership abilities and the ability to work in a collaborative work environment.
• Some experience in the areas of fair housing, veteran’s advocacy, children’s rights, community economic development, older adults advocacy, and heirs property law preferred
• Some attorney supervision experience preferred.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance necessary

3.  Physical Requirements

1. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
2. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. at times.

STARTING SALARY: $70,000, more with experience 

GENERAL STATEMENT

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels.

CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals on the basis of age, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex, disability, socio-economic position, religion, political belief, protected genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal or State law.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.