Staff Attorney

Bay Area Legal Services; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 62,460 - 76,340; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4% match for 403b retirement plan

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability coverage

13 paid holidays and three weeks' vacation

Loan forgiveness programs eligibility

Job summary

A community-focused legal aid organization in Florida is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to provide legal services to seniors. Responsibilities include conducting interviews, preparing legal documents, and representing clients in court. Ideal candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate and 3 years of experience. The position offers a starting salary of $69,400 and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 3 years of attorney experience required.
• Licensed and in good standing with the Florida Bar.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants and provide legal advice to seniors.
• Prepare legal documents and conduct legal research.
• Provide full representation to senior clients in court.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Sympathetic and compassionate understanding of legal issues

Ability to work independently

Excellent prioritization skills

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Job description

Bay Area Legal Services is seeking to fill a full-time Staff Attorney position on our Senior Advocacy Unit (SAU). The SAU provides high quality legal services to seniors (60+) in a variety of areas including home ownership, landlord/tenant, public benefits, and other issues affecting low income and vulnerable senior populations. The attorney hired will conduct telephone intake and provide brief services and extended representation in three primarily rural counties (Polk, Highlands, and Hardee), as well as Hillsborough County. Travel will sometimes be required in order to assist clients and conduct outreach. The position will be supervised by the Team Leader of the Senior Advocacy Unit (SAU).

• Responsibilities
• Interview applicants over the telephone and in person to provide eligible seniors with legal advice, brief services, and representation as appropriate. Document all client case information and related time spent in case management system accurately and timely. Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) or other grantor requirements.
• Communicate with clients to learn about their legal needs and concerns, counsel, advise and refer them to appropriate public agencies or other community resources for additional services. Explain legal options and possible outcomes or risks to their attention.
• Develop and implement strategies to resolve cases favorably. Prepare legal documents such as advance directives and pleadings accurately and in a timely manner. Conduct legal research. Negotiate settlement of cases with opposing attorneys or parties. Prepare necessary correspondence relating to services rendered. Create and maintain relationships with community organizations and funding partners. Attend team meetings and collaborate with other attorneys on case questions.
• Provide full representation to senior clients in Hillsborough, Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties, including appearances in court proceedings.
• Community outreach as necessary to increase awareness of free legal services for seniors in the three counties referenced.

• Minimum Qualifications
• Juris Doctorate (JD), Florida Bar licensed and in good standing with the Bar.
• 3 years of attorney experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize and review work of others.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Excellent prioritization skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Sympathetic and compassionate understanding of the social, economic, and legal issues faced by low-income individuals and the elderly with limited access to such services. Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

• Desirable Qualifications
• Previous experience with home ownership preservation issues and/or landlord/tenant
• Previous experience in a non-profit legal services or public interest firm
• Bilingual Spanish/English a plus

• Compensation
• Starting Salary $69,400.00 (increases based on relevant experience)
• Bay Area offers a comprehensive benefit package including a 4% match for the 403b retirement plan with immediate vesting as well as Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability coverage and more.
• Bay Area also offers generous time off and work life balance with 13 paid holidays and three (3) weeks\' vacation for the 1st year of employment and a 37.5 hour work week.
• Bay Area attorneys may be eligible for some loan forgiveness programs through the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and Funding Florida Legal Aid (FFLA).

This position requires successful completion of a level II background screening based on the required duties and responsibilities

How to Apply

• Send Resume and Cover Letter (including why this position is of interest to you) to [e-mail]
• Include where you applied for this position (ex. bals.org, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.)

Bay Area Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.