Staff Attorney-Plant City (Legal Information Program)

Bay Area Legal Services is a non-profit 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 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.

Our Vision:

• Creating pathways to justice through high-quality legal services, education and community partnerships.

Our firm includes over 160 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

Home Office Location: Plant City, FL

Position Description:

Staff Attorneys will facilitate or directly provide qualified legal services to low income clients to meet their civil legal needs. Develop relationships with clients to evaluate and assist with their established legal needs, provide counsel, help them understand their legal options, and represent them in court, negotiations, and other legal proceedings. Manage or advise clients on legal transactions. Conduct research, prepare legal documents, and perform other duties to ensure that clients receive high quality legal services and best outcomes.

Illustrative Duties:

• The attorney in this position will be involved with Bay Area’s courthouse project know as the Plant City Legal Information Program, which requires a physical presence in the Plant City courthouse 1-2 days each week.
• In addition, the attorney will be responsible for practicing in substantive areas of law including Injunctions for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Family Law, Housing, and other civil matters.
• 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 them 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 as contracts, dispositions, briefs, oral arguments, 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 and juries.
• Supervise legal assistants and activities of other legal personnel (legal interns, paralegals etc.)
• Assists other poverty program components as needed and offers 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.

Minimum Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate (JD), Florida Bar licensed and in good standing with the Bar, and two years of experience.
• 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 and the elderly with limited access to such services. Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a non-profit legal services or public interest firm
• Bilingual Spanish/English a plus

Compensation:

• Starting Salary $69,400/year (increases based on relevant experience)
• Reimbursement for travel expenses (mileage for work events, 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 Funding Florida Legal Aid (FFLA).

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, really, etc.).

Bay Area Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $69,400.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• Plant City, FL 33566: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Plant City, FL 33566

Salary : $69,400