Managing Attorney-Public Benefits Unit

Overview

Reports to and receives general direction from the Chief Program Officer, Director of Litigation, Director of Advocacy, or designee. The Managing Attorney provides leadership and direction of the assigned substantive unit, Public Benefits Unit, while maintaining the highest standards of representation of clients. This position ensures that unit members provide comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in civil cases in accordance with Community Legal Services' (CLS) mission and priorities, other program policies, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, and Florida’s 2001 Plan for Legal Services.

Responsibilities

• Determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with CLS program policies and procedures.
• Represent eligible clients within the entire CLS service area.
• Travel as necessary to represent clients as well as to attend CLS authorized trainings, events, and meetings.
• 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.
• Identify legal needs of the low-income community, develop legal educational programs, and/or direct advocacy strategies to address those needs, and report these to the appropriate practice unit.
• Supervise, support, mentor, and train attorneys, advocates, paralegals and support staff in all aspects of their work.
• Provide substantive training to paralegal advocates and attorneys to prepare them for contested administrative hearings.
• Demonstrate the ability to handle complex litigation in a highly competent and efficient manner through use of advanced advocacy skills, as shown by having significant responsibility in a broad range of work, including administrative law cases, federal court cases, appellate level cases, and other complex civil proceedings (i.e., jury trials, litigation involving impact or novel issues, novel forums, multi-day or complex multi-party trials, relief by extraordinary writ, etc.).
• Perform advanced legal research including use of computer-based databases, e.g., Westlaw, and computerized practice software.
• Maintain a regular, active caseload.
• Collaborate with other substantive law units to further the provision of holistic services to CLS clients and the mission of CLS.
• Complete, submit, and review all required reports, timesheets, expenses, invoices, etc.
• Participate in the identification, application, and oversight of any grants applicable to the unit.
• Support all reporting and compliance efforts with respect to program initiatives, including grants.
• Provide strategic vision for the unit aligned with CLS Strategic Plan, Needs Assessment, annual priorities and mission.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations and other stakeholders to support the delivery of legal services to clients and legal information to the community.
• Aid in the development and management of the budget for the unit and oversee the budget for the unit to ensure effective resource allocation and maximum impact.
• Other duties as assigned in furtherance of the mission of CLS.

Requirements

• Commitment
• - Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
• - Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
• Background and Experience
• - Must be licensed to practice in the State of Florida and a member in good standing of The Florida Bar,
• - Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents.
• - Minimum of five years’ experience practicing law, preferably in a legal services program and expertise within unit specialty.
• - Experience with legal nonprofit organizations preferred.
• - Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
• - Strong leadership abilities and the ability to work in a collaborative work environment.
• - Some attorney supervision experience preferred.
• - Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
• - Be bondable
• - Ability to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area.
• - Valid Florida automobile license, use of own automobile, and proof of insurance necessary to travel on behalf of CLS; possibility of working weekends and evenings.
• Physical Requirements
• - Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• - Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Starting Salary

$90,000, 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.