Work with Us

The Director of Litigation works with leadership, managing attorneys, and staff attorneys to bring high-impact cases to address systemic breakdowns identified through our direct client representation. The Director of Litigation is responsible for supporting, refining, building, and maintaining best practice approaches to support and assist the legal team at CLS. A significant focus of the position is mentoring attorneys across CLS in developing litigation skills.

Director of Litigation

Description

1. Provide dynamic, motivational leadership for high-quality, impactful, and innovative legal representation and advocacy to CLS’s legal team.
2. Support, teach, and model effective litigation and advocacy approaches in state and federal courts, administrative proceedings, and the community.
3. Mentor and develop attorneys at all levels at CLS, teaching litigation skills and strategies while ensuring they remain current on procedural and substantive law.
4. Lead substantive law units at CLS to maximize the impact of litigation.
5. Lead litigation teams, coordinate a strategic approach to litigation, and coordinate large scale projects.
6. Evaluate forums for solving issues in advance of litigation.
7. Directly handle cases within CLS priorities as attorney of records or coverage counsel, involving impact litigation and cases with media attention.
8. Co-counsel, coordinate, and advise on all levels of litigation, including complex litigation.
9. Develop tools and guidelines that facilitate efficient and effective litigation.
10. Act as a resource on Rules Regulating the Florida Bar and the American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct.
11. Generate critical and strategic thinking among staff in pursuit of CLS’ mission.
12. Collaborate with the Director of Advocacy to identify areas of greatest impact, develop strategic advocacy goals, develop response strategies, and assist in advancing those goals.
13. Develop litigation and advocacy strategies with a focus on CLS’s priorities, community need and systemic issues.
14. Collaborate and communicate CLS’s strategic litigation goals to staff, partners, and stakeholders.
15. Set numeric and programmatic goals, review and analyze regularly and adjust to meet performance goals.
16. Identify, lead, and coordinate the use of media as it relates to client matters and impact litigation.
17. Work with the Pro Bono Team to involve private law firms, corporate counsel, and private attorneys in co-counseling and supporting legal work.
18. Utilize the ability to simultaneously coordinate multiple cases in State and Federal courts, while also monitoring and co-counseling cases handled by staff attorneys.
19. Handle administrative and management tasks, including grant compliance, personnel supervision and quality assurance evaluations, staff retention, private bar relations, and strategic planning.
20. Engage in other tasks and duties as assigned to facilitate the mission and operations of CLS.

Requirements

• Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
• Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

Background and Experience

• Juris Doctorate with 15+ years of experience in the practice of law.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and a member in good standing.
• Strong Reputation among the legal community.
• Extensive experience in civil litigation with a record of success.
• Thorough knowledge on the Florida and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Discovery.
• Experience in varied civil practice areas preferred.
• Experience practicing in both State and Federal Court as lead counsel.
• Significant trial experience.
• Highly polished presentation and organizational skills, with the ability to engage a broad staff and client constituency effectively and consistently.
• Experience and expertise to conceptualize new and appropriate litigation and advocacy strategies and translate them into achievable plans.
• Must possess excellent legal project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to “see the big picture” and provide strategic advice and input while also executing tactically policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
• Proof of insurance necessary.
• Valid driver’s license with ability to travel, working both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some or weekends and evenings to perform duties within the CLS 12 county service area.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

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Reports to and receives general direction from the Director of Advocacy or designee. The Managing Attorney provides leadership and direction in the area of Disaster Legal Services. They ensure that unit members provide disaster legal services to eligible clients in civil cases in accordance with CLS’s mission and priorities, other program policies, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar. Through leading by example, the Managing Attorney is professionally responsible for training, mentoring, managing attorneys and ancillary staff, as well for grantor, practice compliance, and client work.

Managing Attorney-Disaster Legal Services Unit

Description

1. Primary responsibility is supervising, guiding and supporting the members of the unit including attorneys and non-attorneys.
2. Provide guidance and direction for the team regarding the plan and goals for the unit, educating the community, direct client services, and the statewide legal aid initiative.
3. Responsible for supervising the drafting of the Continuity of Operations Plan to ensure continuing services in the time of a disaster.
4. Determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
5. Identify legal needs of people affected by disasters and other emergencies.
6. Develop disaster legal needs preparedness and other legal educational programs, and/or direct advocacy strategies to address those needs and reports these to the appropriate practice unit.
7. Provide high quality legal services to eligible clients including identification of legal problems, investigation, advice, negotiation, representation before courts, administrative and legislative/quasi-legislative bodies, and preparation of necessary documentation.
8. Maintain a regular, active caseload, representing clients affected by disaster within the CLS twelve-county service area.
9. Showcase adeptness in handling intricate litigation with advanced advocacy skills across federal court cases, appellate matters, and complex civil proceedings such as jury trials, novel issue litigation, and multi-party trials efficiently and competently.
10. Perform advanced legal research by utilizing computer-based databases, e.g., Lexis, and computerized practice software such as bankruptcy, education, and Florida family law, etc.
11. Collaborate with other Substantive Law Unites across CLS to identify and respond to the legal needs of those impacted by a disaster or emergency.
12. Collaborate with the Director of Advocacy to develop disaster-specific strategic advocacy goals.
13. Develop marketing strategies targeted to Central Floridians in need of disaster legal services information with the Communications Team.
14. Travel as necessary to represent those clients as well as to attend CLS authorized trainings and meetings.
15. Engage with external stakeholders including legal aid organizations, government officials, community partners, and the public through outreach, education and collaboration.
16. Conduct case reviews for compliance, oversight, and training.
17. Complete administrative tasks including but not limited to: reviewing and approving timesheets, conducting staff meetings, and ensuring an appropriate use of firm resources by reviewing expense reports of unit members.
18. May perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
• Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

Background and Experience

• Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and bondable.
• Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents in a variety of disaster-related legal issues.
• A minimum of seven years’ experience practicing law in civil legal matters such as housing, fair housing, public benefits, heirs’ property, contracting disputes, fraud, consumer, or any other disaster related field.
• Must have courtroom litigation skills, including the ability to respond emergency hearings.
• Must have experience managing two or more direct reports, preferably experience managing attorneys of various experience levels.
• Must have well developed skills in speaking and writing, including the ability to listen, negotiate, problem-solve, advise, and generally be accessible to diverse audiences.
• Presentation skills must be highly polished and must have a willingness to frequently give public presentations.
• Must be willing to work both outside the office and home, including spending periods outdoors when necessary, to assist individuals impacted by disasters
• Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
• Must have strong time management skills.
• Must be able to work with a broad range of people internally and externally and treat all persons with dignity and respect while keeping a clam demeanor with disaster victims
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required.
• Ability to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area.
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary to travel on behalf of CLS, possibility of working weekends and evenings.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Apply Here

The Consumer Staff Attorney reports to Director of Public Interest & Litigation, Senior Manager/ Manager or designee.  Provides comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in civil and other cases in accordance with the program’ mission and principles of advocacy, other program guidelines, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct.

Consumer Staff Attorney

Description

1. Determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
2. Provide legal services to eligible clients and client groups including identification of legal problems, investigation, advice, negotiation, representation before courts, administrative and legislative/quasi-legislative bodies, and preparation of necessary documentation.
3. Frequently attend hearings, trials, mediations, and other court proceedings on behalf of eligible clients.
4. Identify legal needs of the low-income community and develops legal educational programs to address those needs.
5. Supervise paralegals, legal assistants, and other subordinates in all aspects of their work.
6. Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with bar associations (including regularly attending bar meetings), bar leaders, legislators and other political officials and other community and non-profit organizations to assist in resource development.  Recruits and provides services for private attorney involvement in CLS’s pro bono programs (which includes co-counseling).
7. Expected to demonstrate the ability to perform complex litigation in a highly competent and efficient manner through use of advanced advocacy skills, as shown by having significant responsibility in a broad range of work, including federal court cases, appellate level cases, and other complex civil proceedings (i.e., jury trials, litigation involving impact or novel issues, novel forums, multi-day or complex multi-party trials, relief by extraordinary write, etc.).
8. Performs advanced legal research including use of computer-based database, e.g., Lexis, Westlaw, Legal Server.
9. After two years of legal practice is expected to participate in impact advocacy.
10. Participate in outreach events and provide community education.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.
12. May perform duties of higher or lower classified positions, as assigned.

Requirements

Commitment

• Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
• Demonstrating 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.
• Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

Background and Experience

• Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar.
• Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents.
• Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
• Must be bondable. Must be able to attend meetings and/or other functions at various locations throughout service area.
• Must be computer literate using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.
• Must be able to travel to the offices within 12 county service area and sometimes outside of service area.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk, driving, and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift to 25 pounds at times.

Apply Here

The Fair Housing Staff Attorney will investigate and litigate housing discrimination, cases in state and federal court and before administrative agencies. The attorney will represent individuals and organizations that have been the victims of housing discrimination and use dispute resolution techniques, including litigation to pursue systemic change to end segregation and remove barriers to housing choice.  Fair Housing Staff Attorney is a full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs.

Fair Housing Staff Attorney

Description

1. Representing clients on a broad range of Fair Housing topics.
2. Investigating claims of housing discrimination in housing transactions such as rental, sale, financing, and insuring a home
3. Providing legal advocacy, counseling, and advice to low-income clients in civil litigation matters, regular court appearances, hearings and trials, and client interaction.
4. Drafting of pleadings memorandums and orders, preparation and review of discovery, and negotiation of settlement agreements.
5. Filing state and federal court and administrative complaints, conducting discovery, depositions, motions, trials, and post-trial litigation;
6. Litigating complex cases in state and federal court under supervision of the senior attorneys
7. Initiating and pursuing administrative claims through the Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).
8. Working collaboratively with other programs and initiatives to promote housing justice and further equal access to housing for all.
9. Must be able to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions, including but not limited to educational outreach events on Fair Housing topics, throughout the CLS 12 county service area.

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice law in Florida and in good standing (Admission to practice in the Middle District of Florida is required)
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters
• Experience in landlord tenant, fair housing, litigation, and public speaking.
• Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve while managing a full caseload.
• Successful candidate must be a self-starter, with the ability to issue spot and exercise sound independent legal judgment, work as part of a team, and bring oneself up to speed quickly on any necessary or lacking knowledge base.
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively both in writing and orally.
• Must possess a high capacity to prioritize, manage simultaneous tasks, and meet strict deadlines within a rapid-paced environment.
• Demonstrate a professional commitment to improving CLS’s presence in the regions we serve, possess strong interpersonal skills, and superior organizational skills, with the ability to engage a diverse constituency.
• Must be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365).
• Proficient in Westlaw, LexisNexis, and/or other legal research platforms.
• Use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively both in writing and orally.

Apply Here

Community Legal Services (CLS) is seeking a Family Law Staff Attorney for our dynamic, non-profit law firm.

Staff Attorney Family Law (Ocala) – $5000 Sign On Bonus!

Description

1. High quality legal services by representing and advising clients regarding their family law matters.
2. This position is responsible for representing low income and/or vulnerable clients on a broad range of family legal matters which includes regular court appearances, hearings, and trials in both State and Federal courts.
3. This position also includes regular client interaction including completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing advice and counsel.
4. The candidate in this role will research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to cases assigned as well as prepare and review legal writings such as pleadings, orders, discovery, and other documents for the court or government agencies.
5. The individual in this key role will negotiate and draft settlement agreements and conduct or participate in outreach events or activities of the unit and organization.
6. This is a Full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, attend meetings and/or other functions throughout the CLS 12 county service area.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted in good standing to practice law in Florida. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 – 5 years’ experience in civil litigation or working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters.
• Experience with subject matter areas within the area of family law, with a high capacity to prioritize, manage simultaneous tasks, and meet strict deadlines within a rapid-paced environment.
• Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve.
• Successful candidate will have highly approachable presentation, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively and consistently engage and collaborate with a diverse constituency of community stakeholders and organizations.
• Must possess excellent legal and community partnership skills and be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365).
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.

Apply Here

Community Legal Services (CLS) is seeking a Family Law Staff Attorney for our dynamic, non-profit law firm.

Staff Attorney Family Law (Daytona Beach) – $5000 Sign On Bonus!

Description

1. High quality legal services by representing and advising clients regarding their family law matters.
2. This position is responsible for representing low income and/or vulnerable clients on a broad range of family legal matters which includes regular court appearances, hearings, and trials in both State and Federal courts.
3. This position also includes regular client interaction including completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing advice and counsel.
4. The candidate in this role will research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to cases assigned as well as prepare and review legal writings such as pleadings, orders, discovery, and other documents for the court or government agencies.
5. The individual in this key role will negotiate and draft settlement agreements and conduct or participate in outreach events or activities of the unit and organization.
6. This is a Full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, attend meetings and/or other functions throughout the CLS 12 county service area.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted in good standing to practice law in Florida. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 – 5 years’ experience in civil litigation or working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters.
• Experience with subject matter areas within the area of family law, with a high capacity to prioritize, manage simultaneous tasks, and meet strict deadlines within a rapid-paced environment.
• Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve.
• Successful candidate will have highly approachable presentation, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively and consistently engage and collaborate with a diverse constituency of community stakeholders and organizations.
• Must possess excellent legal and community partnership skills and be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365).
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.

Apply Here

Community Legal Services (CLS) is seeking a Family Law Staff Attorney for our dynamic, non-profit law firm.

Staff Attorney Family Law (Ocala, Inverness, and Tavares)

Description

1. High quality legal services by representing and advising clients regarding their family law matters.
2. This position is responsible for representing low income and/or vulnerable clients on a broad range of family legal matters which includes regular court appearances, hearings, and trials in both State and Federal courts.
3. This position also includes regular client interaction including completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing advice and counsel.
4. The candidate in this role will research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to cases assigned as well as prepare and review legal writings such as pleadings, orders, discovery, and other documents for the court or government agencies.
5. The individual in this key role will negotiate and draft settlement agreements and conduct or participate in outreach events or activities of the unit and organization.
6. This is a Full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, attend meetings and/or other functions throughout the CLS 12 county service area.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted in good standing to practice law in Florida. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 – 5 years’ experience in civil litigation or working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters.
• Experience with subject matter areas within the area of family law, with a high capacity to prioritize, manage simultaneous tasks, and meet strict deadlines within a rapid-paced environment.
• Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve.
• Successful candidate will have highly approachable presentation, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively and consistently engage and collaborate with a diverse constituency of community stakeholders and organizations.
• Must possess excellent legal and community partnership skills and be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365).
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.

Apply Here

Community Legal Services (CLS) is seeking a Staff Attorney & Team Leader for our dynamic, non-profit law firm.  The Staff Attorney & Team Leader will ensure that the CLS Helpline staff adheres to the highest legal, ethical, and professional standards of quality and accessibility of services in compliance with applicable policies and regulations by auditing, improving, supporting, supervising, and providing training on tasks that are to be performed by Helpline Staff, including completion of intakes, providing legal advice, and referrals.

Helpline Team Lead and Staff Attorney

Responsibilities

1. Train and support to CLS Helpline staff on completion of intakes, screening of applicants, conflict checks, applicant eligibility and referrals to proper resources.
2. Provide training and guidance on applicable legal advice across several areas of civil practice
3. Conduct case reviews for substantive and procedural compliance.
4. Engage in regular internal communication and meetings to discuss emerging common legal issues and system operations.
5. Track, identify, and improve the effectiveness of the Helpline processes including the intake system, online intakes, and delivery of services.
6. Track and identify emerging issues in the community, case outcomes, and other matters related to improving the client experience at the Helpline.
7. Develop, review, and update CLS Helpline policies, procedures, materials, and manuals a regular basis and as needed.
8. Assist with the management and maintenance of the multiple technology platforms utilized by the Helpline.
9. Lead and inspire CLS Helpline team for optimal performance.
10. Provide proactive and reliable support to the manager, streamlining daily operations and enhancing team efficiency.
11. Work extended/evening shifts as needed for late shifts and outreach events.
12. Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to increase the effectiveness, efficiency, and client experience at the Helpline.

Requirements

1. Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
2. Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

Background and Experience

1. Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar.
2. Must have been an attorney for at least 5 years; at least 1 year managing experience required
3. Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents.
4. Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
5. Must have at least 90 days of time on CLS Helpline.
6. Must demonstrate proficiency in the Helpline process to a degree suitable to train others.
7. Must be bondable.
8. Must be able to attend meetings and/or other functions at various locations throughout service area.
9. Must possess excellent legal and community partnership skills and be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365).
10. Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.
11. This is a Full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, attend meetings and/or other functions throughout the CLS 12 county service area.

Physical Requirements

1. Prolonged periods siting at a desk and working on a computer.
2. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Apply Here

Community Legal Services (CLS) seeks a Staff Attorney for an exciting new partnership with a community organization located in Orange County, Florida. The project is aimed at addressing civil legal barriers to housing, health, and well-being of low-income individuals. Reporting to the (Senior) Managing Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership or designee, this position provides comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in civil and other cases in accordance with the program’ mission and principles of advocacy, other program guidelines, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct.

Medical-Legal Partnership Staff Attorney

Responsibilities

1. Determining client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
2. Representing low-income and/or vulnerable clients in a variety of civil law matters affecting clients’ health including public benefits, landlord/tenant disputes, disability-related issues, family law matters, debt collection and access to appropriate educational services.
3. Providing high-quality legal services to eligible clients including identification of legal problems, investigation, advice, negotiation, representation before courts, administrative and legislative/quasi-legislative bodies, and preparation of necessary documentation.
4. Researching and interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to cases assigned, as well as, preparing and reviewing legal writings such as pleadings, orders, discovery, and other documents for courts or government agencies.
5. Identifying the legal needs of the low-income clients of our community partner and developing legal educational programs to address those needs.
6. Cultivating and coordinating effective relationships with health care professionals and community-based organizations to assure CLS’ positive impact on individuals served.
7. Actively engaging community partner in the integration of legal services by training partner staff and volunteers; serving as an active member of the care team; and working with students including those in law, medicine, social work, and public health.
8. Assisting with the reporting requirements for grants under the Medical Legal Partnership. This includes matters such as running reports in the case management system, reviewing for compliance, meeting grant deliverables, and drafting reporting responses.
9. Developing and maintaining excellent working relationships with bar associations (including regularly attending bar meetings), bar leaders, legislators and other political officials and other community and non-profit organizations to assist in resource development.  Recruit s and provides services for private attorney involvement in CLS’s pro bono programs (which includes co-counseling).
10. Assisting at the CLS Helpline answering calls from potential clients, completing intakes, assisting with online intakes, and providing advice/brief services to eligible clients for civil legal issues.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

1. Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
2. Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

Background and Experience

1. Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar.
2. Must be bondable.
3. Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity
4. Bilingual: English-Spanish preferred.
5. Minimum 2-4 years of experience in civil litigation or working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters.
6. Experience working or volunteering in public benefits, social security, health or human services setting, or in community/grant-funded programs preferred.
7. Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve while managing a full caseload.
8. Excellent legal writing, advocacy, organizational, and communication skills.
9. Capacity to effectively and consistently engage and collaborate with a diverse constituency of community stakeholders and organizations.
10. Flexibility and enthusiasm about outreach and the challenges in building a new program.
11. Must be computer literate using Microsoft Office Suite.
12. Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.
13. Must be able to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, to attend meetings and/or other functions at various locations throughout service area the CLS 12 county service area.

Physical Requirements

1. Prolonged periods siting at a desk and working on a computer.
2. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Apply Here

Community Legal Services (CLS) is seeking a committed Staff Attorney to provide high quality legal services by representing clients in central Florida with civil legal issues. This position is responsible for representing individuals who are low income and/or vulnerable populations, including older adults and caregivers, on a broad range of elder law matters. In addition, this position will assist older adults and caregivers with addressing civil legal barriers impacting their ability to age in place such as elder abuse, financial exploitation, consumer scams, housing, residential placement, age discrimination, advance health care/long-term care/estate planning, guardianship, income instability, and family law matters. Also, community education, senior outreach, and developing partnerships with community-based organizations to better serve our aging population.

Reports to Senior Managing Attorney of Older Adult Programs or designee. Provides comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in civil and other cases 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.

Older Adult Programs Staff Attorney (Ocala, Inverness, Tavares, Putnam, or Kissimmee)

Responsibilities

1. Regular client interaction includes completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing legal assistance such as brief advice, limited services, and full representation.
2. Research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to cases assigned as well as prepare and review legal writings for the court or administrative agencies.
3. Representing and advising clients in a variety of civil law matters affecting clients’ independence, including, but not limited to elder abuse, financial exploitation, public benefits, long-term care benefits, landlord/tenant issues, foreclosure prevention, homestead issues, debt collection, consumer scams, guardianship, age discrimination, estate planning, custody by extended family members, and dissolution of marriage.
4. Developing and maintaining a referral process between community partners and CLS.
5. Identifying legal needs of older adults and caregivers, and developing legal educational programs to address those needs.
6. Conducting training and outreach with the community organization’s managers, staff, subagencies, and volunteers and supporting the firm’s overall mission.
7. Collaborating with aging and caregiver service providers and organizations including areas on aging agencies, county senior services divisions, aging networks, domestic abuse, law enforcement, public schools, and faith-based organizations.
8. Cultivating and coordinating effective working relationships with professionals and faith or community-based organizations, to assure CLS’s positive impact on its clients served and create awareness.
9. Provide legal assistance to older adults and caregivers ranging from pro se assistance to full representation.
10. Drafting pro se pleadings, counseling pro se litigants through in the court process, representing clients in court or before administrative agencies, conducting discovery, attending mediation, negotiating disputes, and drafting settlement agreements.
11. Participate in outreach events and provide community education.
12. Working a full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, attend meetings and/or other functions throughout the counties served by CLS.
13. Identify and participate in impact advocacy that impacts older adults and caregivers.
14. Supervise paralegals and other subordinates in all aspects of their work.
15. All other duties as assigned to further the overall mission of CLS.

Qualifications

1. Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve while managing a full caseload.
2. Must be a self-starter, with the ability to issue spot and exercise sound independent legal judgment, work as part of a team, and bring oneself up to speed quickly on any necessary or lacking knowledge base.
3. Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively both in writing and orally.
4. Must possess a high capacity to prioritize, manage simultaneous tasks, and meet strict deadlines within a rapid-paced environment.
5. Demonstrate a professional commitment to improving CLS’s presence in the regions we serve.
6. Possess strong interpersonal skills, and superior organizational skills, with the ability to engage in a diverse constituency.
7. Demonstrate experience using technology-based resources to track and manage time and caseload.
8. Demonstrate a commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
9. Demonstrated the ability to work in a rapid-paced environment.
10. Demonstrate the ability to both integrate and work well independently and in a team environment.
11. Must possess a commitment to working with older adults and care givers with empathy and respect during challenging life events.
12. Strong desire to expand knowledge base and grow within the firm.
13. Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

Background and Experience

1. Admitted to practice law in Florida and in good standing with The Florida Bar.
2. Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters preferred.
3. Significant legal experience in elder law preferred.
4. Significant experience in litigation before courts and/or administrative agencies, preferred.
5. Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents, including older adults and/or caregivers.
6. Strong communication skills, writing skills, and work ethics are required.
7. Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
8. Must be bondable.
9. Must be able to attend meetings and/or other functions at various locations throughout service area.
10. Must be computer literate using Microsoft Office Suite.
11. Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.
12. Must be able to travel to the offices within 12 county service areas and sometimes outside of service area.

Physical Requirements

1. Prolonged periods siting at a desk and working on a computer.
2. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

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The controller will oversee high-level accounting, managerial accounting, and oversee the financial activities of the company. As head of the accounting department, the controller will manage and supervise all aspects of accounting to include budgeting and financial analysis. Will report to the Chief Financial Officer and will assist with the development of internal control policies, procedures, and financial planning as needed.

Controller

Description

1. Oversee the organization’s assets and accurately report on its financial results and financial position.
2. Prepare accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and non-profit accounting standards.
3. Review and distribute monthly reports to internal and external stakeholders.
4. Prepare and submit government reporting, including grants and economic surveys.
5. Ensure compliance with all business tax receipts, personal property tax filing, and exemptions.
6. Analyze financial data, identify trends, and provide insights to inform strategic and operational decisions.
7. Develop and maintain annual, departmental and grant budgets.
8. Monitor variances and provide financial forecasts to support strategic decision-making.
9. Utilize financial software to review monthly spending and monitor trends.
10. Train supervisors to develop budgets.
11. Identify opportunities for cost reductions across the organization.
12. Prepare quarterly reprojections.
13. Create and monitor organization policies and internal controls, focusing on spending controls to safeguard assets and minimize fraud risk.

Requirements

• Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
• Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

Background and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in non-profit accounting.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and non-profit accounting standards.
• Demonstrated experience with accounting software systems, NetSuite preferred.
• Critical thinker with exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication, collaboration, and people skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Valid Florida driver’s license.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Apply Here

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Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment 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.