Staff Attorney-Plant City

Bay Area Legal Services is a regional, non-profit public interest law firm providing the highest quality legal counsel by:

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

Position Title: Staff Attorney (Full-time-Hybrid) – Location: Plant City Office

Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is seeking to hire an attorney for a full-time position in the Plant City office within the Sixth Circuit. This is a hybrid position and is funded under the VOCA grant, from the Attorney General’s Office to represent and assist survivors of domestic, sexual, and dating violence and human trafficking. Attorney primarily advocates for victims of crime under a VOCA grant in the areas of family law and injunctions for protection against domestic violence, however, practice may also include additional substantive areas of law if the client meets criteria for being a victim of crime under grant criteria. On occasion, clients who are not crime victims are represented as well.

The attorney filling this position will be responsible for all phases of case management and extended representation including client intake, completion of necessary documents required by Bay Area and various funding sources, ongoing client communication, mediation and Court hearings.

The Bay Area Legal Services Plant City office is the location of this position. This attorney will be one of two attorneys currently working under the VOCA grant in Plant City, which is part of an eleven member team consisting of seven attorneys and four support staff. Services to be provided will vary between advice or brief services to advocacy and representation in trial.

If resources permit, this attorney will also participate with Centralized Telephone Intake (CTI) on a weekly basis and the Plant City Legal Information Program (PClip) located at the Plant City courthouse, every 6-7 weeks.

Applicants seeking employment with us should understand and share our commitment to the BALS’ mission and vision, and be willing to abide by the five core values of Bay Area Legal Services.

Illustrative Duties:

• Representation in court including emergency advocacy.
• Advice and assistance in connection with crime victim compensation.
• Interview applicants and determine if eligibility requirements for established legal services are satisfied. Documents 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 clients to appropriate public agencies or other community resources for additional services needed.
• Explain legal options and bring possible outcomes or risks to their attention.
• Develop and implement strategies to resolve cases favorably. Prepare legal documents, such briefs and pleadings, accurately and in a timely manner. Research relevant legal materials to aid decision-making, gather and analyze evidence, identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information. Negotiate settlement of cases with opposing attorneys or parties. Prepare necessary correspondence relating to services rendered. Create and maintain relationships with organizations that are commonly adverse parties where possible to facilitate case resolution. Attend team meetings and collaborate with other attorneys on case questions.
• Develop arguments and represent clients participating in hearings before various courts and administrative bodies. Present and summarize cases to judges.
• Travel to client meetings or hearings as necessary.
• Supervise junior attorney, legal assistants and activities of other legal personnel (legal interns, paralegals etc.) as requested by Team Leader.
• Assist other poverty program components as needed and offer advice in public relations, participate 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.
• Perform other duties as designated by the Team Leader.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate (JD), Florida Bar licensed and in good standing with the Bar.
• 3 years of experience as an attorney.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize and review work of others.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Excellent prioritization skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• 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.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a non-profit legal services firm
• Family Law Trial or Civil Litigation Experience.
• Experience with Family Law and/or Domestic Violence cases.
• Experience with legal database systems to document case assignments.
• Bilingual Spanish/English

Compensation: 

• Starting Salary $69,400.00 (increases based on relevant experience)
• Reimbursement for travel expenses (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 Resume and Cover Letter (including why this position is of interest to you) to recruiting@bals.org and state how you learned about the role.

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.