Staff Attorney-Disaster Relief Unit (Remote/Hybrid; SIGN ON BONUS)

Legal Access for All; Orlando (FL); Remote; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a respected civil legal aid provider as a Staff Attorney focusing on disaster relief services. This critical role supports communities impacted by disasters through legal representation and advocacy. You will engage in litigation, maintain compliance with legal standards, and mentor emerging legal professionals while contributing to meaningful community outreach initiatives.

Benefits

15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off

100% coverage of dental benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Pet insurance

Student loan reimbursement for attorneys

Public service loan forgiveness eligibility

403B match after 1 year

Qualifications

• Must be a licensed attorney in Florida.
• Experience in disaster law preferred.
• Strong advocacy and communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal aid to disaster-affected clients.
• Conduct legal research and litigation.
• Lead outreach and education efforts on disaster preparedness.

Skills

Litigation Experience

Legal Research

Collaboration

Persuasive Writing

Public Speaking

Education

Licensed Attorney in Florida

Tools

Microsoft Office

Westlaw

Job description

Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community! As an Orlando Business Journal’s2021 Best Places to WorkHonoree, 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 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)
• 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-Disaster Relief

OVERVIEW

The Staff Attorney for the Disaster Legal Services Unit, under the supervision of the Managing Attorney, provides civil legal aid services in the form of advice, pro se assistance, and representation to individuals impacted by disasters. The Staff Attorney supports CLS’s mission, ensures compliance with ABA and Florida Bar standards, and leads outreach to connect vulnerable communities with essential legal services. This role requires strong legal and advocacy skills, grant compliance support, and a willingness to travel throughout CLS’s 12-county service area

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Determine client eligibility per program requirements.
2. legal services to disaster-affected clients across CLS’s 12-county region.
3. Conduct advanced legal research using platforms like Westlaw.
4. Handle civil litigation, including high-stakes cases, with confidence in courtroom advocacy.
5. Demonstrate strong persuasive writing and oral argument skills.
6. Supervise and mentor law students and legal interns.
7. Collaborate with CLS staff members and external stakeholders to achieve the goals of CLS in advocating for disaster survivors.
8. Lead outreach and education efforts on disaster preparedness and legal rights.
9. Represent CLS at public events, forums, and training sessions
10. Staff disaster recovery centers and provide on-site legal support.
11. Respond to emergencies with direct assistance and legal guidance.
12. Build partnerships with emergency management agencies, VOADs, COADs, nonprofits, and legal aid organizations to support coordinated disaster response.
13. Submit timely timesheets, expense reports, and invoices.
14. Participate in staff meetings and lead team discussions as needed.
15. Engage in professional development and required trainings.
16. Track disaster-related legal trends, client outcomes, and service delivery.
17. Provide accounting of work to other CLS staff members.
18. Report significant trends or needs to CLS leadership.
19. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive)
20. Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies
21. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed to support CLS’s mission and operations

REQUIREMENTS

1. Commitment

a. Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.

b. Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

1. Background and Experience

1. 1. Must be a licensed attorney in Florida and an active member in good standing with the Florida Bar.
   2. Experience, preferably in disaster law, including housing, insurance claims,FEMA appeals, contractor disputes, consumer protection, and public benefits.
   3. Must have litigation experience and knowledge of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
   4. Experience in State Court is required. Experience in Federal Courts preferred, but applicant must have a willingness to practice in any court.
   5. Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to work with diverse and vulnerable populations.
   6. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with partners and manage projects independently.
   7. Strong organizational and time management skills; proficiency in public speaking and use of technology.
   8. Demonstrate a capacity to diagnose systemic issues, strategically plan, and problem solve in order to achieve results for our clients and the community.
   9. Commitment to high-quality legal services and organizational integrity.
   10. Office-based with significant fieldwork (Frequent travel, up to 50%, in a given day possible, especially during disaster response
   11. Must have a valid Florida driver’s license and auto insurance.

3. Physical Requirements

a. Prolonged periods siting at a desk and working on a computer.

b. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

SALARY: $70,000-$85,000, PLUS 10% SIGN ON BONUS OF OFFERED SALARY

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.