Family Law Staff Attorney

Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community. As an Orlando Business Journal’s 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree and Orlando Sentinel’s 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

CLS offers:

• 15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off
• Excellent physical/mental health, vision, and benefits (With 95% of benefits paid for by company)
• 100% Coverage with Dental Benefits, Life Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability
• 100% 403B match after 1 year of employment
• CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits
• Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Fantastic work-life balance
• Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
• Pet Insurance
• Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company wide retreats, activities, and challenges!

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

Family Law Staff Attorney (Anywhere in Central Florida)

OVERVIEW

Reports to the Senior Managing/Managing Attorney of the Family Unit, Family Unit Team Lead, or designee. This Staff Attorney position will provide legal services to clients, from advice and pro se assistance to full representation, in the areas of family law and related areas, non-familial injunction cases such as repeat violence, sexual violence, and stalking, and any other areas designated by CLS Leadership as a priority area. This position is new to the CLS Family Law Unit and expands our services beyond domestic violence-related cases. Staff attorneys shall provide legal services to eligible family law clients 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. The role requires adherence to program policies, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services, and compliance with the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.  
• Provide high quality legal services to eligible clients and client groups including identification of legal problems, investigation, advice, negotiation, preparation of pleadings and discovery, and representation before courts.
• Competently engage in litigation of family matters with advanced advocacy skills within the entire CLS twelve-county service area.  
• Address a broad spectrum of family law matters, including but not limited to child custody, child support, divorce, spousal support, property division, adoption, guardianship, and issues related to paternity and parenting plans.
• Travel when needed to represent clients as well as to attend CLS authorized training and meetings. 
• Perform advanced legal research including use of computer-based databases, e.g., Westlaw and computerized practice software such as Florida Family Law Software, etc.  
• Manage and maintain an active caseload, ensuring timely progress on cases while adhering to organizational standards and legal requirements.
• Represent CLS’ to other legal aid organizations, to government officials, community partners, and the public.
• 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).
• Participate in outreach events and provide community education.
• Provide presentations to the public about the work of CLS.
• Respectfully and professionally work and collaborate with paralegals, legal assistants, family unit attorneys, team lead, manager, and other CLS staff, management, and leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

1.  Commitment         

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

2.  Background and Experience

1. Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar. 
2. Family Law experience is preferred.
3. Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents.
4. Ability to adapt quickly to job requirements and possess the ability to positively adapt to change.
5. Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
6. Must be bondable.
7. Must be computer literate using Microsoft Office Suite, advanced legal research including use of computer-based databases, e.g., Westlaw, Legal Server.
8. Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary to travel to the offices within and occasionally, outside of, our 12-county service area.

3.  Physical Requirements

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

Starting Salary: $70,000; more with experience. 

GENERAL STATEMENT

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels.

CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals 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.

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 : $70,000