Description
A non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities. Dedicated to justice, offering legal services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more—at no cost to our clients. Partners with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to provide quality advocacy, outreach, and education aimed at protecting the rights of those in need.
The purpose of this position is to provide 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.
The Staff Attorney / Pro Bono Coordinator is a full-time position reporting to the Managing Attorney. The Staff Attorney / Pro Bono Coordinator is responsible for implementing the strategic vision and day-to-day management of the pro bono program throughout the 15th Judicial Circuit. This includes fostering positive relationships with the private bar, law firms, law schools, bar associations, state-wide access to justice commissions, community partners, and national organizations. The Staff Attorney / Pro Bono Coordinator will maintain a caseload approved by program priorities in areas such as housing, family law matters, public benefits, consumer law, elder law, education, immigration, civil rights, and other appropriate areas. The geographical area of focus is Lee and Charlotte counties.
Requirements
Legal Advocacy
1. Interviews, certifies eligibility, and identifies the legal problems of clients within a specific area of law and provides clients with appropriate legal assistance in the form of advice, referrals, or actual representation.
A. Provide direct representation to clients as a staff attorney
B. Act as “Attorney of the Day” as a staff attorney
C. Co-counsel cases as appropriate with pro bono attorneys
2. Participates in outreach.
3. Represents clients in court and before administrative agencies as deemed appropriate.
4. Provides documentation, statistical information and other records as required by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director or Executive Director.
5. Participates in case acceptance, meetings, applicable work job meetings, pro bono agency meetings and agency program meetings
6. Participates in training to keep up CLE’s and required and legally relevant training as may be provided by the program and as mandated by Florida Bar rules.
7. 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 (including paralegals) on cases discussed.
8. 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.
9. Attempts to ensure accessibility of the local office(s) when necessary by serving clients, including rural clients, non-English speaking clients and clients with disabilities.
10. Promotes good relations with the public, including client groups, service providers, press, and the private bar, attending/speaking at local meetings as appropriate and approved by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director, and/or Executive Director.
11. Develops and maintains familiarity with policies, as well as requirements of LSC, CSC and other funders, and adheres to those policies and requirements.
12. Maintains accurate follow-up system to review cases when needed.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.
Pro Bono Management
1. Manage the Pro Bono Program in the local office service area.
2. Recruit attorney volunteers, law students, paralegals, and other professionals to accept pro bono cases and assist at pro se and legal advice clinics.
3. Conduct on-site intake as needed at outreach events.
4. Manage the flow of cases from intake to placement (case matching) with volunteer
5. Act as attorney mentor to pro bono attorneys.
6. Manage and close Pro Bono case files through adherence to strict guidelines.
7. Develop and implement various pro bono projects, advice clinics, and outreach events for the benefit of attorneys and clients.
8. Develop and implement CLE trainings for pro bono volunteers and FRLS’ Staff
9. Develop and implement volunteer recognition programs
10. Work with various committees, bar associations, community partners, and the public to promote the Pro Bono Program.
11. Collaborate to establish and implement creative pro bono opportunities for attorneys in the service area.
12. Submit articles for local newsletters, produce recognition ads, press releases, and other advertising pamphlets and brochures to increase participation in outreach events by attorneys and clients.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
1. Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
2. Barred in Florida.
3. Knowledge of State and Federal court procedures preferred.
4. Some knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.
5. Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.
6. Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
7. Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.
8. Must be able to effectively and efficiently maximize existing resources.
9. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint). Knowledge of CMS a plus.
10. Must be able to effectively work in high-pressure situations which involve deadlines.
11. Bilingual English and Spanish/Haitian Creole preferred but not required.
Will need to submit a writing sample and two references: one from a current or previous supervisor and one from a current or previous coworker. The references should specify whether they are a supervisor or coworker and include the individual's first and last name, phone number, and company upon request after initial phone interview
Working Conditions:
Position operates in a professional office environment.
Physical Requirements:
Must be willing to travel.
Salary and Benefits:
Generous benefits package that includes 403(b) with employer-paid contribution; health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents; malpractice insurance; paid leave (up to 5 weeks of PTO, 2 personal days, and 13 holidays); law school loan repayment assistance.
Attorneys operate in a hybrid work environment, requiring advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week.
Hybrid schedule consists of 37.5 hours per week from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with in-office days on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and remote work on Tuesday and Thursday
Compensation
$68K-$106K DOE
(**2-10 years of experience starting pay scale- $68K-$80k)
(**11-21 years of experience starting pay scale - $80K-$106k)
Plus a Full suite of benefits including dental, vision, health, etc.
25 days of PTO (4-week Sabbatical after 4 years.)
13 Holidays per year.
Student Loan assistance
