Staff Attorney, Community Economic Development Unit

About the role

Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full‑service civil legal aid law firm promoting equal access to justice for vulnerable individuals in Central Florida. Recognized 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, CLS seeks a mission‑driven Staff Attorney for the Community Economic Development (CED) Unit. The CED Unit provides legal services to low‑income individuals starting or owning small businesses and to groups forming or operating nonprofits that serve low‑income communities.

Responsibilities

• Engage in regular client interaction, including completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing legal assistance ranging from brief advice and counsel to full representation on complex contract drafting or extensive research and advice.
• Draft governance documents, contracts, advice letters, and other documents or correspondence related to small business and nonprofit formation and development.
• Conduct research needed to draft legal documents and to provide appropriate advice on small business and nonprofit legal matters.
• Co‑counsel or cover cases as needed for attorneys/advocates in the CED Unit.
• Keep up with and apply changes in the law relevant to assisting small businesses and nonprofits.
• Serve as a messenger in public forums, media, and community events, articulating the firm’s mission and services offered, at the discretion of the Senior Manager of Community Economic Development.
• Provide educational workshops, either in person or virtually, on topics relevant and beneficial to aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofits.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to support community economic development efforts.
• Actively seek educational opportunities to improve skills relevant to assisting small businesses and nonprofits.
• Maintain an appropriate balance between client work and non‑client work.
• Work closely with other departments (e.g., communications, advocacy, pro bono, etc.) to align the community economic development needs of CLS’ service area with organizational initiatives and campaigns.
• Contribute to the development of organizational policy positions and strategies.
• Support all reporting requirements with respect to program initiatives.
• Assist in the development and management of the CED Unit budget, ensuring effective use of resources for maximum impact, as needed.
• Abide by all requirements and restrictions on grant funds assigned to the CED Unit.
• Complete other duties as assigned to further the mission of CLS.

Requirements

• Demonstrate a commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
• Exhibit unwavering dedication to providing high‑quality legal programs and maintaining fiscal strength and organizational integrity.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and in good standing.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance necessary.
• Able to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work using a computer.
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs. at times.

Qualifications

• Experience in the areas of business/corporate, contract, and/or real estate law preferred.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
• Proficiency with Legal Server.

Benefits

• 15 paid holidays
• 24 days of paid time off
• 100% employer‑paid health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Vision coverage at minimal employee cost
• 100% 403B match after 1 year of employment (5%)
• CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits
• Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Fantastic work‑life balance
• Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
• Pet Insurance
• Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company‑wide retreats, activities, and challenges

Pay

Starting salary: $70,000, more with experience.