Managing Attorney-Disaster Legal Services Unit

Description:

Overview:
Reports to and receives general direction from the Director of Advocacy or designee. The Managing Attorney provides leadership and direction in the area of Disaster Legal Services. They ensure that unit members provide disaster legal services to eligible clients in civil cases in accordance with CLS's mission and priorities, other program policies, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar. Through leading by example, the Managing Attorney is professionally responsible for training, mentoring, managing attorneys and ancillary staff, as well for grantor, practice compliance, and client work.

Responsibilities:

• Primary responsibility is supervising, guiding and supporting the members of the unit including attorneys and non-attorneys.
• Provide guidance and direction for the team regarding the plan and goals for the unit, educating the community, direct client services, and the statewide legal aid initiative.
• Responsible for supervising the drafting of the Continuity of Operations Plan to ensure continuing services in the time of a disaster.
• Determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Identify legal needs of people affected by disasters and other emergencies.
• Develop disaster legal needs preparedness and other legal educational programs, and/or direct advocacy strategies to address those needs and reports these to the appropriate practice unit.
• Provide high quality legal services to eligible clients including identification of legal problems, investigation, advice, negotiation, representation before courts, administrative and legislative/quasi-legislative bodies, and preparation of necessary documentation.
• Maintain a regular, active caseload, representing clients affected by disaster within the CLS twelve-county service area.
• Showcase adeptness in handling intricate litigation with advanced advocacy skills across federal court cases, appellate matters, and complex civil proceedings such as jury trials, novel issue litigation, and multi-party trials efficiently and competently.
• Perform advanced legal research by utilizing computer-based databases, e.g., Lexis, and computerized practice software such as bankruptcy, education, and Florida family law, etc.
• Collaborate with other Substantive Law Unites across CLS to identify and respond to the legal needs of those impacted by a disaster or emergency.
• Collaborate with the Director of Advocacy to develop disaster-specific strategic advocacy goals.
• Develop marketing strategies targeted to Central Floridians in need of disaster legal services information with the Communications Team.
• Travel as necessary to represent those clients as well as to attend CLS authorized trainings and meetings.
• Engage with external stakeholders including legal aid organizations, government officials, community partners, and the public through outreach, education and collaboration.
• Conduct case reviews for compliance, oversight, and training.
• Complete administrative tasks including but not limited to: reviewing and approving timesheets, conducting staff meetings, and ensuring an appropriate use of firm resources by reviewing expense reports of unit members.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
1. Commitment
a. Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
b. Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

2. Background and Experience

• Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and bondable.
• Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents in a variety of disaster-related legal issues.
• A minimum of seven years' experience practicing law in civil legal matters such as housing, fair housing, public benefits, heirs' property, contracting disputes, fraud, consumer, or any other disaster related field.
• Must have courtroom litigation skills, including the ability to respond emergency hearings.
• Must have experience managing two or more direct reports, preferably experience managing attorneys of various experience levels.
• Must have well developed skills in speaking and writing, including the ability to listen, negotiate, problem-solve, advise, and generally be accessible to diverse audiences.
• Presentation skills must be highly polished and must have a willingness to frequently give public presentations.
• Must be willing to work both outside the office and home, including spending periods outdoors when necessary, to assist individuals impacted by disasters
• Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
• Must have strong time management skills.
• Must be able to work with a broad range of people internally and externally and treat all persons with dignity and respect while keeping a clam demeanor with disaster victims
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required.
• Ability to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area.
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary to travel on behalf of CLS, possibility of working weekends and evenings.

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