Closing Date: 5th December, 2025

Description:

Do you want a fulfilling career where you can really make a difference in the lives of people? Are you passionate about equal justice? The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County is looking for an attorney committed to serving Palm Beach County's low income population. The work involves a diverse array of civil legal representation of clients in landlord-tenant, homelessness prevention, housing discrimination and real property law.

Job Summary:
The Housing Rights Staff Attorney position requires a high degree of professionalism, advocacy, and initiative. The successful candidate will provide a full range of high-quality legal services to low-income individuals and families to promote housing stability, prevent homelessness, and enforce fair and equitable housing rights.

The attorney will handle cases involving landlord-tenant disputes, homelessness prevention, federally subsidized housing programs, and fair housing discrimination matters. This position also offers opportunities to engage in community education and systemic advocacy in partnership with local agencies and community groups.

The Housing Rights Staff Attorney reports directly to the Supervising Attorney and works under general supervision. The position generally follows a Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. schedule, with occasional evening or weekend work to meet client and community needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide direct legal representation to clients in administrative, judicial, and appellate proceedings involving eviction defense, federal housing subsidy termination, housing discrimination, and other housing-related matters.
Develop and maintain specialized expertise in housing law, including:
Homelessness prevention and eviction defense under Florida law;
Federal and subsidized housing programs, such as Public Housing, Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers, HUD-subsidized properties, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments; and
Fair housing rights and enforcement under the federal Fair Housing Act and related state and local laws.
Conduct thorough client interviews in person, at outreach locations, or through virtual platforms.
Investigate and develop cases by interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents, and consulting with appropriate agencies and experts.
Provide advice, counsel, and negotiation services to help clients maintain stable housing and avoid displacement.
Draft legal pleadings, motions, memoranda, and correspondence.
Manage case files, grant deliverables, and reporting requirements in accordance with program standards.
Perform legal research and remain informed about developments in federal and state housing law.
Maintain accurate records and timekeeping through the case management system (Legal Server).
Collaborate with Legal Aid Society colleagues, social service providers, community organizations, and the private bar to identify and address housing issues in the community.
Conduct and participate in community legal education presentations, outreach clinics, and workshops to inform tenants and service providers about their rights and available resources.
Participate in community and coalition meetings, task forces, or other forums addressing housing instability and homelessness prevention.
Comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and performance standards.
Assist the Executive Director and/or Supervising Attorney with special projects or assignments as needed.

Position Requirements:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Member in good standing of the Florida Bar.
Minimum of two years of relevant legal experience preferred, especially in housing or poverty law.
Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income and vulnerable populations.
Knowledge of Florida and federal landlord-tenant law, fair housing law, and federally subsidized housing programs preferred.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent judgment, organizational ability, and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
High ethical standards and professionalism.
Commitment to remain in position for at least two (2) years.

Salary: Salary range depending on experience. Full benefits package in addition to salary includes:

Vacation leave earnings equal 2.4 weeks a year (beginning the first of the month after 30 days of employment) and increases to 3 weeks a year after two years of employment.
Sick leave earnings equal 2.4 weeks a year (beginning the first of the month after 30 days of employment).
13-15 paid holidays per year (depending on court schedule).
Health, dental and vision insurance (beginning first of the month after 30 days of employment).
Employer paid short-term disability/long-term disability and life insurance (beginning first of the month after 30 days of employment).
Employer matches up to 5% of 401K plan contribution (eligible after one year of service).
Salary paid bi-weekly by direct deposit.
Mileage and reimbursements processed weekly.
Law school student loan repayment assistance for eligible individuals.

Application Process And Deadline:
Send resume and cover letter with salary requirements by Friday, December 5, 2025.

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE ADA