Work with Us

With our continued growth in meeting the needs of Central Floridians, we are always searching for attorneys to work on our intake and advice helpline part-time.

Part Time Helpline Attorney (Orlando or Sanford)

Application Deadline: Ongoing Opportunity

Description

In this position, the attorney will:

1. Provide advice, brief services, and referrals in various areas of civil law.
2. Demonstrate a commitment to understanding and addressing issues of the low-income and vulnerable population that CLSMF serves.
3. Determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with firm policies and procedures.
4. Empower and counsel pro se litigants through various civil legal issues while providing local community resources for a holistic approach in addition to conducting an initial client consultation, identifying assessing and analyzing a variety of civil legal issues, conducting research, and preparing pro se pleadings/letters.
5. The position also requires the ability to learn and utilize multiple computer platforms and technology for matters such as client interactions, case management, and phone systems. In addition, an individual in this position must maintain professional and legal knowledge through continuing education.
6. This is a part-time position that includes a minimum of 24 hours per week 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 within or outside the CLSMF 12-county service area.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted in good standing to practice law in Florida. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
• No prior experience in any particular area of the law is required, however, experience in civil litigation or working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters is preferred.
• Experience with working in a rapid-paced environment with a high capacity to prioritize and manage simultaneous tasks.
• The successful candidate will have a highly approachable presentation, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively and consistently engage and collaborate with a diverse constituency.
• 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

We are always searching for a service-minded, mission driven individuals to fulfill the following position on our intake and advice helpline.

Full Time Helpline Attorney (Orlando or Sanford)

Application Deadline: Ongoing Opportunity

Description

In this position, the attorney will:

1. Provide advice, brief services, and referrals in various areas of civil law.
2. Demonstrate a commitment to understanding and addressing issues of the low-income and vulnerable population that CLSMF serves.
3. Determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with firm policies and procedures.
4. Empower and counsel pro se litigants through various civil legal issues while providing local community resources for a holistic approach in addition to conducting an initial client consultation, identifying assessing and analyzing a variety of civil legal issues, conducting research, and preparing pro se pleadings/letters.
5. The position also requires the ability to learn and utilize multiple computer platforms and technology for matters such as client interactions, case management, and phone systems. In addition, an individual in this position must maintain professional and legal knowledge through continuing education.
6. This is a full-time position that may require 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 within or outside the CLSMF 12-county service area.

Qualifications:

• Must be admitted in good standing to practice law in Florida. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
• No prior experience in any particular area of the law is required, however, experience in civil litigation or working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters is preferred.
• Experience with working in a rapid-paced environment with a high capacity to prioritize and manage simultaneous tasks.
• The successful candidate will have a highly approachable presentation, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively and consistently engage and collaborate with a diverse constituency.
• 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

We are searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fulfill the following position:

Staff Attorney Housing Law (Daytona)

Application Deadline: June 16, 2023

Description

  The Staff Attorney Housing Law 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. Staff Attorney Housing Law will be responsible for:

1. Determining client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
2. Frequently attending hearings, trials, mediations, and other court proceedings on behalf of eligible clients.
3. Identifying legal needs of the low-income community and develops legal educational programs to address those needs.
4. Supervising paralegals, legal assistants, and other subordinates in all aspects of their work.
5. 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.
6. Recruiting and providing services for private attorney involvement in our pro bono programs (which includes co-counseling).
7. The candidate in this role is 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. Perform advanced legal research including use of computer-based database, e.g., Lexis, Legal Server.
9. After two years of legal practice is expected to participate in impact advocacy.
10. 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 within or outside the CLS 12-county service area.

Qualifications

• Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
• Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income and vulnerable constituents.
• Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
• Demonstrated high attention to detail, ability to handle and manage multiple projects and deadlines at once and deal with competing priorities. 
• 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.
• Must be bondable.
• Must have access to internet and be computer literate using Word, Excel, Microsoft Suite, and Adobe PDF programs.
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.

• Apply Here

CLS is currently searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fill the following position: 

Veterans and Public Benefits Staff Attorney 

Application Deadline: June 16, 2023 

 Description
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 on a broad range of public benefits matters. In addition, this position will assist Veterans and their families with addressing civil legal barriers to the stability of their housing, health, and well-being in partnership with community-based organizations and their subagencies.  

Reports to Director of Public Interest & Public Benefits, Senior Manager/ Manager 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. 

Responsibilities

1. Regular client interaction including completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing legal assistance ranging from brief advice and counsel to 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’ housing and incomes, including, but not limited to, Public Benefits, Veterans Benefits and discharge upgrades, landlord/tenant issues, driver’s license reinstatement, criminal records sealing and expungement, debt collection, and child support. 
4. Developing and maintaining a referral process between subagencies and CLS.
5. Identifying legal needs of the low-income community and developing legal educational programs to address those needs. 
6. Conducting trainings for and outreach with community organization’s managers, staff, subagencies, and volunteers and supporting the firm’s overall mission.  
7. Collaborating with Veterans’ organizations including VA facilities, Vet Centers for combat veterans, homeless shelters, Veterans’ courts, and Stand Downs for homeless Veterans. 
8. Cultivating and coordinating effective working relationships with professionals and community-based organizations, to assure CLS’s positive impact on its clients served and create awareness.  
9. 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. 

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to practice law in Florida in good standing.  
• Minimum of three to five years of legal experience.   
• Functional experience working or volunteering with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities preferred.  
• Previous experience working or volunteering with Veterans and/or military families preferred. 
• Experience in public or Veterans benefits, housing, human services setting, or in community/grant-funded programs preferred. 
• The successful candidate will have a highly approachable presentation, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to engage a diverse constituency while managing a full caseload effectively and consistently. 
• Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve while managing a full caseload. 
• Demonstrate a professional commitment to improving CLS’s presence in the regions we serve. 
• Must possess excellent legal and community partnership skills and be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365). 
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, proof of insurance required. 

• Apply Here

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

Application deadline: June 16, 2023

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

We are searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fulfill the following position:

Family Law Legal Assistant (Daytona Beach)

Application Deadline: June 16, 2023

Description

This position reports to and receives general direction from Managing Attorneys, Staff Attorneys or their designees. Provides clerical and administrative services to attorneys and may provide specific services to clients under the direction of an attorney or paralegal.

1. Conducts initial client intake and assist clients in completing applications.
2. Makes initial determination of clients’ financial eligibility for program services and appropriate referrals.
3. Maintain active case files and keep calendars up to date with appointments, court dates, etc for assigned attorneys and paralegals.
4. Prepare and draft high volume of legal pleadings, correspondences, and other documents as directed.
5. Assure that responses on defaults, answers, etc. are filed in a timely manner and copies are sent to appropriate recipients.
6. Transcribe from notes or dictating equipment into correspondence, minutes, reports, etc.
7. Answer telephones, opens, assigned attorney’s email and voicemail, inputs appropriate entries into online system and provides appropriate responses and other secretarial services as required.
8. Utilize Lexis and other software to input data, obtain and complete forms, obtain documentation, etc. as requested.
9. Assist in the pre-litigation investigation and litigation discovery process.
10. Assist in the gathering and organizing of exhibits, documents, trial data and other materials as needed.
11. Serve process and execute appropriate affidavits of service. Serve witness subpoenas and other papers as requested.
12. File legal papers with appropriate courts and conducts outreach for the purpose of identifying clients and makes presentations.
13. Serve as lunch and break relief at the reception area and, on occasion, as back-up for other support staff.
14. As requested, participate in fund-raising, public relations programs, other outside activities
15. Responsible for upkeep of equipment, supplies or other tools necessary to ensure the smooth running of the law office.
16. Greet clients, applicants, and other visitors in a polite manor; answers telephone and refers callers to appropriate staff members/other CLS Offices and agencies
17. Open and deliver mail and provides other clerical services as necessary.
18.  May perform duties of the work of higher or lower classified positions, as assigned.

Qualifications

1.  Commitment         

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

2.  Background and Experience

1. High school graduate or equivalent experience. Advanced studies (e.g., associates or BA degree) paralegal or legal assistant studies preferred.
2. Possesses excellent communications and writing skills, is highly self-motivated, professional, and capable of independently managing workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced legal environment with minimal supervision.
3. Excellent phone manner and professional customer service ability required, with superior organizational and highly polished communication while addressing issues to low income clients.
4. Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required.
5. Ability to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area with the possibility of working nights or weekends occasionally
6. Valid Florida automobile license in order to travel on behalf of CLS, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.

3.  Physical Requirements

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

• Apply Here

We are searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fulfill the following position:

Fair Housing Staff Attorney

Application Deadline: June 16, 2023

Description

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 need. Responsibilities include:

• Representing clients on a broad range of Fair Housing topics.
• Investigating claims of housing discrimination in housing transactions such as rental, sale, financing, and insuring a home
• Providing legal advocacy, counseling, and advice to low-income clients in civil litigation matters, regular court appearances, hearings and trials, and client interaction.
• Drafting of pleadings memorandums and orders, preparation and review of discovery, and negotiation of settlement agreements.
• Filing state and federal court and administrative complaints, conducting discovery, depositions, motions, trials, and post-trial litigation;
• Litigating complex cases in state and federal court under supervision of the senior attorneys
• Initiating and pursuing administrative claims through the Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).
• Working collaboratively with other programs and initiatives to promote housing justice and further equal access to housing for all.
• 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

We are searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fulfill the following position:

Family Law Paralegal (Lake Mary)

Application deadline: June 16, 2023

Description

Reports to and receives general direction from Senior Managers, Staff Attorneys or designees. Provides clerical and administrative services to attorneys and may provide specific services to clients under the direction of an attorney or paralegal.

1. Conducts initial client intake and assists clients in completing applications.
2. Makes initial determination of clients’ financial eligibility for program services and appropriate referrals.
3. Maintain active case files and keep calendars up to date with appointments, court dates, etc for assigned attorneys and paralegals.
4. Prepare and draft high volume of legal pleadings, correspondences, and other documents as directed.
5. Assure that responses on defaults, answers, etc. are filed in a timely manner and copies are sent to appropriate recipients.
6. Transcribe from notes or dictating equipment into correspondence, minutes, reports, etc.
7. Answer telephones, opens, assigned attorney’s email and voicemail, inputs appropriate entries into online system and provides appropriate responses and other secretarial services as required.
8. Utilize Lexis and other software to input data, obtain and complete forms, obtain documentation, etc. as requested.
9. Assist in the pre-litigation investigation and litigation discovery process.
10. Assist in the gathering and organizing of exhibits, documents, trial data and other materials as needed.
11. Serve process and execute appropriate affidavits of service. Serve witness subpoenas and other papers as requested.
12. File legal papers with appropriate courts and conducts outreach for the purpose of identifying clients and makes presentations.
13. Serve as lunch and break relief at the reception area and, on occasion, as back-up for other support staff.
14. As requested, participate in fund-raising, public relations programs, other outside activities
15. Responsible for upkeep of equipment, supplies or other tools necessary to ensure the smooth running of the law office.
16. Greet clients, applicants, and other visitors in a polite manor; answers telephone and refers callers to appropriate staff members/other CLS Offices and agencies
17. Open and deliver mail and provides other clerical services as necessary.
18.  May perform duties of the work of higher or lower classified positions, as assigned.

Qualifications

1. Commitment         

1. 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.

2.  Background and Experience

1. High school graduate or equivalent experience. Advanced studies (e.g., associates or BA degree) paralegal or legal assistant studies required
2. 2-3 years of relevant experience as a paralegal required.
3. Possesses excellent communications and writing skills, is highly self-motivated, professional, and capable of independently managing workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced legal environment with minimal supervision.
4. Excellent phone manner and professional customer service ability required, with superior organizational and highly polished communication while addressing issues to low income clients.
5. Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required. 
6. Ability to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area with the possibility of working nights or weekends occasionally
7. Valid Florida automobile license in order to travel on behalf of CLS, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.

3.  Physical Requirements

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

• Apply Here

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.

Salary: $40,000-$45,000

We are searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fulfill the following position:

Director of Development

Application Deadline: June 16, 2023

The Director of Development is responsible for the implementation of strategic plans to set and achieve fundraising goals, maintain knowledge of fundraisers’ interests, and cultivate relationships with community partners. This position provides guidance in Community Legal Services’ (CLS) efforts to obtain financial and other contributed support to sustain our work, including planned, annual, and deferred giving; approaches to individuals, foundations, and corporations.

Description

1. Establishing a major donor program, inclusive of identifying major prospects, creating appeals and appropriate donor communications, stewarding prospects and donors, and cultivating personal relationships to make fundraising asks.
2. Collaborating with Board of Directors and staff with fundraising efforts.
3. Generating development materials such as case statements.
4. Managing relationship with former donors to encourage ongoing contributions through personal contact, including face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and written correspondence
5. Ongoing digital fundraising communications through social media platforms
6. Developing and implementing fundraising appeals.
7. Identifying meaningful institutional funding opportunities and cultivating relationships that lead to funding.
8. Working closely with the Director of Communications and Director of Pro Bono Services to establish an integrated communications plan that reaches and inspires donors and volunteers to support CLS financially.
9. Establishing and managing logistics for fundraising and stewardship events with support, (both digital and in-person), including parlor meetings, Board-hosted events, state of the unions, and galas.
10. Building and maintaining a comprehensive CRM database and practice.
11. Participate in outside nonprofit and fundraising events to support partnerships.
12. Build and oversee the implementation of an aspirational, achievable annual development plan
13. Provides an annual comprehensive analysis of department and fund-raising programs

 Qualifications

1.  Commitment          

a.   Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.

b.   Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

2.  Background and Experience

1. Five to ten years of direct fundraising experience through individual donors and philanthropists.
2. Bachelor’s degree in communications, fundraising, nonprofit management, psychology, sociology, or business preferred.
3. Experience is working with small and mid-to-larger donor institutions
4. Experience implementing and designing fundraising processes, inclusive of CRM management.
5. Experience raising upwards of $2,000,000 to $5,000,000 annually.
6. Experience working with CRM platforms-Salsa preferred.
7. Flexible and ready to execute fundraising strategy, pivoting as necessary.
8. Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, social media.
9. Available to travel with valid driver’s license; possibility of working weekends and evenings.

3.  Physical Requirements

a. Prolonged periods siting at a desk and working on a computer.

b.  Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

• Apply Here

Are you an attorney looking for rewarding volunteer opportunities. Are you a law student or pre-law student looking for an internship/externship? Maybe a paralegal wanting to obtain legal experience while giving back?  Find out more about our volunteer opportunities by visiting this page.

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.