Staff Attorney – Migrant Farmworker Unit

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS); Immokalee (FL); Hybrid; USD 61,200 - 74,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance for employees and dependents

403(b) with employer-paid contribution

Paid leave of up to five weeks PTO and holidays

Job summary

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is seeking a qualified individual to provide civil legal assistance to low-income farmworkers in Florida. The successful candidate will focus on employment, housing, and individual rights, with responsibilities including client interviews and court representation.

A Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school or CLI certification is required. The position offers a starting salary of $68,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package and a hybrid work model within a professional environment.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to practice in Florida or maintain active CLI status.
• Knowledge of federal court practices is required.
• Ability to work under high-pressure deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients and provide legal assistance in employment law.
• Participate in community outreach and education efforts.
• Represent clients in court as needed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Bilingual (Spanish/Haitian Creole)

Education

Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school

Certified Legal Intern (CLI) Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

CMS knowledge

Job description

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. – Description

FRLS is a non‑profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties, as well as farm workers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has been dedicated to justice, offering legal services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, and more at no cost to our clients. FRLS partners with community organizations and pro‑bono attorneys to provide quality advocacy, outreach, and education aimed at protecting the rights of those in need.

Position Purpose

This position is to provide civil legal assistance to eligible low‑income farmworkers and their families located throughout Florida, focusing on employment, housing, public benefits, and individual rights.

Essential Functions

• Interview clients, certify eligibility, identify legal problems, and provide appropriate legal assistance (advice, referrals, or representation) in employment law areas such as unemployment, wage theft, discrimination, housing, labor‑based U‑visas, and labor trafficking.
• Participate in community outreach and education.
• Represent clients in court and before administrative agencies as needed.
• Provide documentation, statistical information, and other records as required.
• Participate in case acceptance meetings.
• Participate in CLE and other required training, as mandated by Florida Bar rules.
• Adhere to office hours, manage time effectively, and treat clients and staff with courtesy and respect.
• Act as a role model for staff and promote high‑quality advocacy.
• Ensure accessibility of the local office(s) for rural, non‑English‑speaking, and disabled clients.
• Promote good relations with the public, including client groups, service providers, press, and private bars.
• Follow FRLS policies and requirements of the Florida Supreme Court and funders.
• Maintain an accurate follow‑up system for case review.
• Train staff in identifying legal needs of farmworker clients.
• Develop relationships with agencies serving farm workers and engage in joint referral and training opportunities.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of legal issues affecting farm workers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA‑accredited law school and admitted to practice in Florida; or
• Certified Legal Intern (CLI) Certificate (required).
• Maintain active CLI status in accordance with Florida Supreme Court requirements.
• Current law student or recent graduate eligible for CLI certification.
• Knowledge of state and federal court practices.
• Commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for clients.
• Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Efficiency in maximizing resources.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of CMS is a plus.
• Ability to work under high‑pressure deadlines.
• Bilingual Spanish/Haitian Creole preferred but not required.

Working Conditions

Professional work environment.

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary role; occasional lifting of office supplies up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to travel throughout Florida as needed.

Reports To

• No supervisory duties.
• Monthly progress reports.

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary is $68,000 for an un‑barred law graduate. Salary increases based on a union scale and experience. FRLS offers a generous benefits package that includes a 403(b) with employer‑paid contribution; health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for employees and dependents; malpractice insurance; paid leave (up to five weeks PTO, two personal days, 13 holidays); and law school loan repayment assistance. FRLS attorneys work in a hybrid model—assigned office at least three days per week.