Priority Deadline is February 24, 2022. All positions will remain open until filled, but we will review applicants on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for consideration. Please submit all application materials as soon as possible. Applications received by February 24, 2022, will receive first consideration.

Please review the specific job posting for more details. Salary is based on experience. Position includes a full benefits package, which currently includes health, dental, life, a retirement plan and paid time off. Position duration is based on grant funding.

Non-Profit Overview:
Florida Rural Legal Services. Inc. (FRLS), the non-profit legal services program providing free civil legal assistance to eligible low income and elderly persons approved by program policies and priorities in areas such as housing, domestic violence related family and other family law matters, public benefits, consumer law, elder law, education, immigration, and civil rights.

Job Summary:

Full-time staff attorney position with Florida Rural Legal Services as a member of the bargaining unit, covered by the union contract for at least a period of 1 year. Attorney will provide civil legal assistance to victims on an emergency basis, where reasonable and where the need arises as a direct result to victimization (except torts).

Job Duties:

• This non-management level position requires admittance to the Florida Bar.
• Entry level or above experience applies. 
• Knowledge of state and federal court practices preferred.
• Interviews, certifies eligibility, and identifies the legal problems of victims within a specific area of law and provides clients with appropriate legal assistance in the form of advice, referrals, or actual representation.
• Participates in outreach and coordination with agencies serving and referring victims to FRLS.
• Represents clients in court and before administrative agencies, including investigation, witness preparation, pre and post hearing written arguments, conduct of the hearing and related activities.
• Provides documentation, statistical information and other records as required by the Managing Attorney, Director of Litigation, Deputy Director or Executive Director.
• Participates in case acceptance meetings.
• Participates in training to keep up CLEs relevant to the various areas of the law necessary to represent victims.
• Adheres to office hours, exhibits a strong work ethic and excellent time management skills, communicates, and treats clients and staff with courtesy and respect; provides constructive feedback to other advocates (paralegals) on cases discussed.
• Serves as a role model to support staff by promoting the values of hard work, high quality advocacy and treating others with courtesy and respect.
• Promotes accessibility of the local office(s) to clients, including rural clients, non-English speaking clients and clients with disabilities.
• Promotes good relations with public, including client groups, service providers, press, and private bar, attending/speaking at local meetings as appropriate and approved by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director and/or Executive Director.
• Provides timely data upon request for grant applications, fundraising, public relations, and other program needs.
• Is familiar with FRLS policies, as well as requirements of LSC and other Funders, and adheres to those policies and requirements.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
• Barred in Florida.
• Knowledge of State and Federal court procedures preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to advocacy on behalf of people in poverty.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to FRLS’ mission.
• Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.
• Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.
• Must be able to maximize existing resources effectively and efficiently.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint). Knowledge of CMS a plus.
• Must be able to effectively work in high-pressure situations involving deadlines.
• Bilingual English and Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred, but not required.

Working Conditions:

• Position operates in a professional office environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be willing to travel. Must be able to work in a professional office environment 5 days per week.
• Must be able to lift 20 lbs.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to advocacy on behalf of people in poverty. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Salary:

• Salary depending on experience.