Job Description

Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm serving the Tampa Bay area for over 50 years. We assist low-income residents, veterans, seniors, children, domestic violence survivors, and many more.

Our Mission: Providing the highest quality legal counsel by:

• Assisting individuals and nonprofit groups with limited access to legal services
• Resolving the legal problems of our clients
• Preserving the independence, hope, and dignity of those we serve.

Our Vision: Creating pathways to justice though high-quality legal services, education and community partnerships.

Our firm includes over 170 dedicated staff members comprised of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff who work to carry out our mission and vision daily.

Position Title: Staff Attorney - (Full-Time)-Hybrid, 3 days in office & 2 days remote

Home Office Location: Ybor City

Position Description: Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is seeking to fill a full-time Staff Attorney position on our Veterans Law Center (VLC). The VLC provides high quality legal services to veterans in a variety of areas including but not limited to family law, landlord-tenant, home ownership, public benefits, and veterans benefits. The attorney hired will be responsible for telephone intake and brief services statewide through our Veterans Legal Helpline, as well as intake and extended representation in Bay Area Legal Services’ service area. Community outreach, presentation development and delivery, and community partner engagement is a strong component of the job responsibilities. Applicants should expect to travel for these activities as necessary. The position will be supervised by the Team Leader of the VLC. Staff Attorneys will facilitate or directly provide qualified legal services to low income clients to meet their civil legal needs.

Illustrative Duties:

• Interview applicants over the telephone and in person to provide eligible veterans with legal advice, brief services, and representation as appropriate. Document all client case information and related time spent in case management system accurately and timely. Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) or other grantor requirements.
• Communicate with clients to learn about their legal needs and concerns, counsel, advise and refer them to appropriate public agencies or other community resources for additional services. Explain legal options and possible outcomes or risks to their attention.
• Develop and implement strategies to resolve cases favorably. Prepare legal documents such as advance directives and pleadings accurately and in a timely manner. Conduct legal research. Negotiate settlement of cases with opposing attorneys or parties. Prepare necessary correspondence relating to services rendered. Create and maintain relationships with community organizations and funding partners. Attend team meetings and collaborate with other attorneys on case questions.
• Provide full representation to veteran clients in Bay Area Legal Services’ service area, including appearances in court proceedings
• Community outreach as necessary to increase awareness of free legal services for veterans.
• Supervise junior attorney, legal assistants and activities of other legal personnel (legal interns, paralegals etc.)
• Assist other poverty program components as needed and offer advice in public relations, participates in appropriate community activities. This includes participation in BALS in-house committees and outside community/Florida Bar events when asked or needed.
• Stay informed about current legislation, especially assigned legal specialties. Attend Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses and/or other trainings to maintain knowledge in areas of expertise or gain new knowledge.
• Participate in appropriate community and statewide activities to support and promote and further the work of Bay Area Legal Services.
• Assist the supervisor or Team Leader in preparing statistical reports.
• Assist in developing and updating appropriate legal advice and brief services letters, legal instructional materials and other written materials as requested by the Team Leader.
• Perform other duties as designated by the Team Leader.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate (JD), Florida Bar licensed and in good standing with the Bar
• Demonstrated ability to work in an independent but closely supervised environment
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Excellent prioritization skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Experience with legal database systems to document case assignments
• Sympathetic and compassionate understanding of the social, economic, and legal issues faced by low-income individuals with limited access to such services
• Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals
• Ability to work closely and cooperatively with other team members
• Ability to travel to counties within the service area to meet with clients, perform outreach, and make presentations

Desirable Qualifications:

• Familiarity and experience with poverty law issues, including but not limited to family law, landlord-tenant, and public benefits
• Familiarity with Veterans Benefits law
• Knowledge of trauma-informed lawyering practices
• Familiarity and experience working with a wide range of social service agencies
• Internet, e-mail, and word processing experience in a Windows-based environment
• Prior experience working with the veteran population and/or prior military service

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary $60,350.00/yr, (increases based on relevant experience).
• Reimbursement for travel expenses for work events (mileage etc.)
• Bay Area offers a comprehensive benefit package including a 4% match for the 403b retirement plan with immediate vesting as well as Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability coverage and more.
• Bay Area also offers generous time off and work life balance with 13 paid holidays and three (3) weeks’ vacation for the 1st year of employment and a 37.5 hour work week.
• Bay Area attorneys may be eligible for some loan forgiveness programs through the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and the Florida Bar Foundation (FBF).

This position requires successful completion of a level II background screening based on the required duties and responsibilities

How to Apply:

• Send your resume and cover letter to recruiting@bals.org
• Include where you applied for this position (ex: bals.org, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.).

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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