Helpline 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, Orlando Sentinel’s 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, and a SHRM Mental Health Ally, 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 (5%)
• 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 fulfill the following position:

 Helpline Attorney 

Description:

Community Legal Services (CLS), is seeking a full time Staff Attorney for the CLS Helpline. In this position, the attorney will:

1. Provide advice, brief services, and referrals in various areas of civil law.

2. Demonstrate a commitment to understanding and addressing issues of the low-income and vulnerable population that CLS serves.

3. Determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with firm policies and procedures.

4. Empower and counsel pro se litigants through various civil legal issues while providing local community resources for a holistic approach in addition to conducting an initial client consultation, identifying assessing and analyzing a variety of civil legal issues, conducting research, and preparing pro se pleadings/letters.

5. The position also requires the ability to learn and utilize multiple computer platforms and technology for matters such as client interactions, case management, and phone systems. In addition, an individual in this position must maintain professional and legal knowledge through continuing education.

6. This is a full-time position that may require the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, attend meetings and/or other functions within or outside the CLS 12-county service area.

Qualifications:

• Must be admitted in good standing to practice law in Florida. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• No prior experience in any particular area of the law is required, however, experience in civil litigation or working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters is preferred.
• Experience with working in a rapid-paced environment with a high capacity to prioritize and manage simultaneous tasks.
• The successful candidate will have a highly approachable presentation, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively and consistently engage and collaborate with a diverse constituency.
• Must possess excellent legal and community partnership skills and be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365).
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.

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 based on 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.