Description:

A Nonprofit Law Firm is seeking to fill a full-time Staff Attorney position on our Senior Advocacy Unit (SAU).

A Nonprofit Law Firm is seeking to fill a full-time Staff Attorney position on our Senior Advocacy Unit (SAU). The SAU provides high quality legal services to seniors (60+) in a variety of areas including home ownership, landlord/tenant, public benefits, and other issues affecting low income and vulnerable senior populations. The position will be supervised by the Team Leader of the Senior Advocacy Unit (SAU). Staff Attorneys will facilitate or directly provide qualified legal services to low income clients to meet their civil legal needs.

Illustrative Duties:

Interview applicants over the telephone and in person to provide eligible seniors with legal advice, brief services, and representation as appropriate. Document 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. Explain legal options and possible outcomes or risks to their attention.
Develop and implement strategies to resolve cases favorably. Prepare legal documents such as advance directives and pleadings accurately and in a timely manner. Conduct legal research. Negotiate settlement of cases with opposing attorneys or parties. Prepare necessary correspondence relating to services rendered. Create and maintain relationships with community organizations and funding partners. Attend team meetings and collaborate with other attorneys on case questions.
Provide full representation to senior clients in Hillsborough counties, including appearances in court proceedings. (Occasional travel to Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties)
Community outreach as necessary to increase awareness of free legal services for seniors in the three counties referenced.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate (JD), Florida Bar licensed and in good standing with the Bar.
Bilingual Spanish/English a plus
4 years in legal practice
1 year litigation 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.

Desirable Qualifications:

Previous experience with home ownership preservation issues and/or landlord/tenant
Previous experience in a non-profit legal services or public interest firm