Real Property Rights Staff Attorney (REMOTE/HYBRID, SIGN ON BONUS)

Legal Access for All; Sanford (FL); Remote; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading civil legal aid law firm in Central Florida as a Real Property Rights Staff Attorney. You will protect property rights, provide comprehensive legal services, and engage with low-income communities. This role offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off

100% coverage with dental benefits

Student loan reimbursement for attorneys

Tuition reimbursement

Work-life balance

Opportunities for upward mobility into leadership roles

Qualifications

• Membership in good standing with The Florida Bar.
• At least 3 years of legal practice, preferably in legal services.
• Experience with community engagement and courtroom litigation.

Responsibilities

• Develop legal education programs and advocacy strategies.
• Provide legal services including investigation, negotiation, and representation.
• Handle complex litigation and supervise paralegals.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Community Engagement

Litigation

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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 the company)
• 100% coverage with dental benefits, life insurance, long/short term disability
• 100% 403B match after 1 year of employment (5%)
• CLS pays bar dues and CLE credits
• Student loan reimbursement for attorneys
• Tuition reimbursement
• Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Work-life balance
• Opportunities for upward mobility into leadership roles
• Pet insurance
• Wellness committee events such as retreats, activities, and challenges

CLS is seeking a service-minded, mission-driven individual for the position of:

Real Property Rights Staff Attorney

Overview

The Real Property Rights Protection Staff Attorney reports to the Real Property Rights Protection Managing Attorney, Director of Advocacy, or designee. The unit focuses on protecting real property rights and promoting sustainable landownership and generational wealth. The attorney will investigate and litigate cases to help clients maintain or access landownership, providing comprehensive legal services in accordance with CLS’s mission, ABA standards, Florida Bar rules, and state legal plans.

Responsibilities

1. Develop legal education programs and advocacy strategies for real property rights protection.
2. Travel as needed for outreach, client representation, and training.
3. Assess client eligibility for legal services based on policies, priorities, and grant requirements.
4. Provide legal services including problem identification, investigation, advice, negotiation, representation, and documentation.
5. Address legal issues related to property ownership, such as probate, chain of title, tax sales, quiet title, land partitions, and disaster assistance.
6. Represent clients across the CLS service area and collaborate with community organizations to strengthen neighborhoods.
7. Handle complex litigation, including federal cases, appellate work, jury trials, and other civil proceedings, demonstrating advanced advocacy skills.
8. Supervise paralegals and legal assistants when appropriate.
9. Conduct legal research using databases like Westlaw and practice software.
10. Maintain a caseload and complete administrative duties and reports.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

1. Commitment to CLS’s mission and values, high-quality legal service, and organizational integrity.
2. Membership in good standing with The Florida Bar.
3. Dedication to serving low-income communities, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
4. Continuous professional development and legal knowledge.
5. Bondable status.
6. At least 3 years of legal practice, preferably in legal services or related field.
7. Experience with community engagement and courtroom litigation is preferred.
8. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
9. Ability to travel throughout a 12-county service area; valid Florida driver’s license and insurance required.
10. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Physical Requirements

a. Prolonged sitting and working at a computer.

b. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Salary

$65,000 - $85,000 plus a 10% sign-on bonus.

Equal Opportunity Statement

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, valuing diversity and inclusive culture. We do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics.

The above description provides an overview of the principal functions and requirements of the position but is not exhaustive. Employees may perform other duties as assigned to meet organizational needs.