Family Law Staff Attorney (Divorce and Paternity)
Overview
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.
Responsibilities
- Determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
- Provide legal services to eligible clients and client groups including identification of legal problems, investigation, advice, negotiation, preparation of pleadings and discovery, and representation before court.
- Engage in litigation of family matters with advanced advocacy skills within the entire CLS twelve-county service area.
- Must be willing to accept and demonstrate the core values of CLS and the CLS Family Law Unit.
- Travel when needed to represent clients as well as to attend CLS authorized training, meetings, and outreach events.
- Recruit and support private attorneys in CLS’s pro bono programs, including opportunities for co-counseling.
- Perform legal research including use of computer-based databases, such as Westlaw and computerized practice software such as Florida Family Law Software.
- Advance and maintain an active caseload.
- Complete and promptly submit all required reports, including timekeeping and work-related expenses.
- Represent CLS to other legal aid organizations, government officials, community partners, and the public.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with local bar associations, bar leaders, legislators, political officials, and community and nonprofit organizations—regularly engaging in meetings and collaborations to support resource development.
- Provide presentations to the public about the work and mission of CLS.
- Work and collaborate with paralegals, legal assistants, Family Unit attorneys, team leads, managers, and other CLS staff, management, and leadership within the professionalism standards set forth by the Florida Supreme Court and the Florida Bar.
Requirements
- Commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
- Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
- Demonstrate commitment to ensuring appropriate recordkeeping, documentation, and adherence to federal rules and regulations that apply to LSC-funded programs, as they apply to the position.
- Family law experience is preferred.
- Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income clients.
- Ability to adapt quickly to job requirements and possess the ability to positively adapt to change.
- Maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
- Must be computer and technology literate specifically in using Microsoft Office Suite, legal research including use of computer-based databases, and additional legal software.
- Valid Florida driver’s license, use of own automobile, and proof of insurance necessary to travel within and occasionally, outside of, our 12-county service area.
- Prolonged periods siting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
General Statement
CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of an 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.
Starting Salary
$70,000, more with experience, PLUS 10% SIGN ON BONUS OF OFFERED SALARY