Staff Attorney - Family Law

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties, as well as to farm workers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has been dedicated to justice, offering legal services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more—at no cost to our clients. FRLS partners with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to provide quality advocacy, outreach, and education aimed at protecting the rights of those in need.

About the role

This position is responsible for providing civil legal assistance in the area of family law, offering representation and advocacy to individuals, families, and vulnerable communities in need of support.

Responsibilities

• Interviews, certifies eligibility, and identifies the legal problems of FRLS clients within family law; provides appropriate legal assistance in the form of advice, referrals, or representation.
• Participates in community outreach and education.
• Represents clients in court and before administrative agencies as accepted.
• Provides documentation, statistical information, and other records as required by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director, or Executive Director.
• Participates in case acceptance meetings and training to maintain CLE requirements and legally relevant training as mandated by Florida Bar rules.
• Adheres to office hours, exhibits a strong work ethic, excellent time management, and treats clients and staff with courtesy and respect.
• Provides constructive feedback to other advocates (paralegals) on cases discussed.
• Serves as a role model to support staff by promoting the values of hard work, high-quality advocacy, and treating others with courtesy and respect.
• Ensures accessibility of local office(s) for rural clients, non-English speaking clients, and clients with disabilities.
• Promotes good relations with the public, client groups, service providers, press, and private bars by attending or speaking at local meetings as approved.
• Familiarizes self with FRLS policies and requirements of LSC and other funders; adheres to those policies and requirements.
• Maintains an accurate follow-up system to review cases when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school and barred in Florida; or Certified Legal Intern (CLI) Certificate required.
• Candidates must be eligible for and maintain Certified Legal Intern (CLI) status in accordance with Florida Supreme Court requirements. CLI certification is time-limited (generally up to 18 months), and continued employment is contingent upon maintaining active certification and taking the first bar exam available after graduation.
• Current law student or recent law school graduate eligible for CLI certification under Florida Supreme Court rule. If not currently a Certified Legal Intern at the time of hire, the individual must obtain certification before onboarding.
• Knowledge of State and Federal court practices required.
• Some knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS, and compassion for clients.
• Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.
• Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.
• Must be able to effectively and efficiently maximize existing resources.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint). Knowledge of CMS is a plus.
• Must be able to work effectively in high-pressure situations involving deadlines.
• Bilingual (Spanish/Haitian Creole) preferred but not required.

Working conditions

• Operates in a professional work environment.
• Largely sedentary role; some lifting of office supplies up to 20 pounds may be required.
• Must be able to travel throughout Florida as needed.
• No supervisory duties; monthly progress reports required.

Pay

The starting salary for this position is $74,000 for law school graduates who have not yet passed the bar. Salary increases based on a union scale and is adjusted upward depending on experience.

Benefits

• 403(b) with employer-paid contribution.
• Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents.
• Malpractice insurance.
• Paid leave (up to 5 weeks of PTO, 2 personal days, and 13 holidays).
• Law school loan repayment assistance.
• Hybrid work environment, requiring advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week.