Medical Legal Partnerships Staff Attorney

Overview

Community Legal Services (CLS) seeks a Staff Attorney to expand its Medical Legal Partnerships (MLP) project, focusing on civil legal barriers to housing, health, and well-being for low-income individuals in Marion County, Florida.

Responsibilities

• Determining client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Representing low-income and/or vulnerable clients in civil and other cases, including public benefits, landlord/tenant disputes, disability-related issues, family law matters, debt collection, and access to educational services.
• Providing legal services such as identification of legal problems, investigation, advice, negotiation, representation before courts, administrative bodies, and preparation of necessary documentation.
• Researching and interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to cases assigned, and preparing and reviewing legal writings like pleadings, orders, discovery, and other documents.
• Identifying legal needs of clients and developing educational programs to address these needs.
• Cultivating and coordinating relationships with health care professionals and community-based organizations to ensure CLS's positive impact on individuals served.
• Engaging with community partners to integrate legal services, train staff and volunteers, serve as a member of the care team, and work with students in law, medicine, social work, and public health.
• Assisting with grant reporting, including running reports, reviewing for compliance, meeting deliverables, and drafting reporting responses.
• Building relationships with bar associations, bar leaders, legislators, and other political officials, and community and non-profit organizations to assist in resource development.
• Recruiting and providing services for private attorneys in CLS's pro bono programs, including co-counseling.
• Answering calls from potential clients, completing intakes, assisting with online intakes, and providing advice/brief services for civil legal issues.

Requirements

• Commitment to CLS's mission, vision, and values.
• Experience in civil litigation or working with low-income/vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters.
• Bilingual: English-Spanish preferred.
• Minimum 2-4 years of experience in civil litigation or similar field.
• Experience in public benefits, social security, health/human services settings, or community/grant-funded programs.
• Ability to advocate zealously for clients and manage a full caseload.
• Excellent legal writing, advocacy, organizational, and communication skills.
• Flexibility and enthusiasm for outreach and building new programs.
• Computer literacy using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance.
• Ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including evenings/weekends.

Starting Salary

$75,000, plus a 10% sign-on bonus of the offered salary.