Staff Attorney (Family Law)

About the role

Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney for the Family Law Team, funded under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). This hybrid position provides legal representation to victims of crime in family law matters and injunctions for protection against domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking. The attorney will handle all phases of case management, including client intake, brief services, and extended representation in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, working with a team of approximately seven attorneys, an accredited immigration representative, and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants and determine eligibility for legal services.
• Document all client case information and related time spent in the case management system accurately and timely.
• Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) or other grantor requirements.
• Provide representation in court, including emergency advocacy, for domestic violence survivors primarily in injunctions for protection and family court proceedings.
• Develop and implement strategies to resolve cases favorably.
• Prepare legal documents such as contracts, dispositions, briefs, oral arguments, and pleadings accurately and in a timely manner.
• Research relevant legal materials, gather and analyze evidence, and identify implications for cases from legal precedents.
• Negotiate settlements with opposing attorneys or parties.
• Prepare correspondence relating to services rendered.
• Create and maintain relationships with organizations that are commonly adverse parties to facilitate case resolution.
• Attend team meetings and collaborate with other attorneys on case questions.
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, legal assistants, and other legal personnel on family law matters.
• Assist other poverty program components as needed and offer advice in public relations; participate in BALS in-house committees and community/Florida Bar events when asked.
• Refer clients to appropriate social services agencies and community partners for additional services.
• Provide advice and assistance in connection with crime victim compensation.
• Comply with grant requirements.
• Perform other duties as designated by the Team Leader.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate (JD), Florida Bar licensed and in good standing.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with clients and the legal community.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent prioritization skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Sympathetic and compassionate understanding of the social, economic, and legal issues faced by low-income individuals with limited access to services.
• Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

Qualifications

• Self-motivated and goal-oriented.
• Experience with family law cases and procedures.
• Experience with domestic violence cases.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed lawyering practices.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Schedule

Hybrid schedule: 3 days in office (Ybor City, FL) and 2 days remote.