Family Law Staff Attorney

Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community. As an Orlando Business Journal’s 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree, 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 up to 5% after 1 year of employment
• 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:

Family Law Staff Attorney (Sanford)

Overview

Reports to the Managing Attorney of the Family Unit, Family Unit Team Lead, or designee. This Staff Attorney position provides services to clients who are survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. The attorney shall provide services ranging from advice, pro se assistance, and full representation with a focus on divorce, paternity, and other related family law matters. Staff attorneys shall provide legal services to eligible family law clients in accordance with the program’s mission and principles of advocacy, other program guidelines, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services, and the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct. The role requires adherence to program policies, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services, and compliance with the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar.

Responsibilities

• Determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Provide legal services to eligible clients and client groups including identification of legal problems, investigation, advice, negotiation, preparation of pleadings and discovery, and representation before court.
• Engage in litigation of family matters with advanced advocacy skills within the entire CLS twelve-county service area.
• Must being willing to accept and demonstrate the core values of CLS and the CLS Family Law Unit.
• Travel when needed to represent clients as well as to attend CLS authorized training, meetings, and outreach events.
• Recruit and support private attorneys in CLS’s pro bono programs, including opportunities for co-counseling.
• Perform legal research including use of computer-based databases, such as Westlaw and computerized practice software such as Florida Family Law Software.
• Advance and maintain an active caseload.
• Complete and promptly submit all required reports, including timekeeping and work-related expenses.
• Represent CLS to other legal aid organizations, government officials, community partners, and the public.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local bar associations, bar leaders, legislators, political officials, and community and nonprofit organizations—regularly engaging in meetings and collaborations to support resource development.
• Provide presentations to the public about the work and mission of CLS.
• Work and collaborate with paralegals, legal assistants, Family Unit attorneys, team leads, managers, and other CLS staff, management, and leadership within the professionalism standards set forth by the Florida Supreme Court and the Florida Bar.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Commitment
• Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
• Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
• Demonstrate commitment to ensuring appropriate recordkeeping, documentation, and adherence to federal rules and regulations that apply to LSC-funded programs, as they apply to the position.
• Background and Experience
• Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar.
• Family law experience is preferred.
• Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income clients.
• Ability to adapt quickly to job requirements and possess the ability to positively adapt to change.
• Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
• Must be computer and technology literate specifically in using Microsoft Office Suite, legal research including use of computer-based databases, and additional legal software.
• Valid Florida driver’s license, use of own automobile, and proof of insurance necessary to travel within and occasionally, outside of, our 12-county service area.
• Physical Requirements
• Prolonged periods siting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

STARTING SALARY: $75,000, more with experience

GENERAL STATEMENT

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of an inclusive culture at all levels.

CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals based on 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.