Education Attorney - Collier, FL - On Site

We are a non-profit law firm. Every day, we work hard to meet the legal needs of a diverse and multiethnic community across Collier County. Our mission is to provide high-quality, free civil legal advice, representation, and education to the disadvantaged of Collier County. Our company has more than 30 employees, who provide free services and resources across a broad range of civil legal issues that impact health, safety, and self-sufficiency. Every year, we help the most vulnerable members of our community find their voice, regain control of their lives, and build a brighter future.

Through education, effective litigation, and collaboration, we work tirelessly to expand access to justice for all, identify needs in our community, and challenge systems, laws, and policies that adversely affect the underserved and marginalized.

Position Summary

The Childrens Unit primarily assists children who are unsafe and safe families of these children through securing Injunctions for Protection, Dissolutions of Marriage, Powers of Attorney, Temporary Custody by a Relative Orders, Client Advocacy Orders, and Paternity Orders. We also assist children with learning differences to identify the specific learning differences, develop individualized education plans, and advocate for the resources required to ensure the child has necessary access to his/her free public education. Currently, the unit has an opening for a full-time Staff Attorney or Educational Advocate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for providing high-quality legal services to clients and their families.
• Aside from direct representation, requires preparing and delivering client training and other community education; conducting outreach, active bar participation; and special legal and community projects.
• Provide representation and counseling services to clients for the benefit of children by stabilizing the education of children.
Education advocates will conduct outreach presentations at specific community agencies and will actively participate in coalitions and groups that collaborate regarding clients' rights.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A demonstrable awareness and sensitivity to the needs of the populations we serve
• Public speaking experience and skill
• Ability to work effectively with a large caseload and function professionally within a highly stressful environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong research and analysis skills
• Ability to work independently at times and also as an effective part of a team, including attorneys, support staff, volunteers, and community partners
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Ability to work constructively with others
Ability to speak more than one language is a plus

Education & Experience

• If Attorney:
  • Member in good standing of the Florida Bar Association
  • 1 – 3 years of practice preferred but not required
• If Non-Attorney Education Advocate:
  • 5 years public education experience
  • Certified paralegal diploma preferred
  • Some legal experience preferred
• Both Positions
  • Experience with IEP, 504, FBA, IDEA, FAFSA, and the battery of educational diagnostics used in Florida
  • Experience serving low-income individuals, victims of crime, veterans, or other marginalized communities preferred but not required