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Community Legal Services · 20 hours ago

Staff Attorney Older Adults Unit

Ocala, FL, 34471, US

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

4+ years exp

Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice for vulnerable individuals. The Staff Attorney for the Older Adults Unit will represent low-income individuals, particularly older adults and caregivers, in various elder law matters and engage in community legal education and outreach.

LegalLegal TechProfessional Services

Diversity & Inclusion

Responsibilities

Regular client interaction includes completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing legal assistance such as brief advice, limited services, and full representation

Research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to cases assigned as well as prepare and review legal writings for the court or administrative agencies

Representing and advising clients in a variety of civil law matters affecting clients’ independence, including, but not limited to: elder abuse, financial exploitation, public benefits, long-term care benefits, landlord/tenant issues, foreclosure prevention, homestead issues, debt collection, consumer scams, guardianship, age discrimination, estate planning, custody by extended family members, and dissolution of marriage

Developing and maintaining a referral process between community partners and CLS

Identifying legal needs of older adults and caregivers and developing legal educational programs to address those needs

Conducting training and outreach with the community organization’s managers, staff, subagencies, and volunteers and supporting the firm’s overall mission

Collaborating with aging and caregiver service providers and organizations including areas on aging agencies, county senior services divisions, aging networks, domestic abuse, law enforcement, public schools, and faith-based organizations

Cultivating and coordinating effective working relationships with professionals and faith or community-based organizations, to assure CLS’s positive impact on its clients served and create awareness

Provide legal assistance to older adults and caregivers ranging from pro se assistance to full representation

Drafting pro se pleadings, counseling pro se litigants through in the court process, representing clients in court or before administrative agencies, conducting discovery, attending mediation, negotiating disputes, and drafting settlement agreements

Participate in outreach events and provide community education

Identify and participate in impact advocacy that impacts older adults and caregivers

Supervise paralegals and other subordinates in all aspects of their work

All other duties as assigned to further the overall mission of CLS

Working a full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including evenings and weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, attend meetings and/or other functions throughout the counties served by CLS

This position requires in-person presence in CLS's service area; specifically, this role will require weekly in-person attendance at meetings, trainings, and/or events in Lake, Sumter, Hernando, Sumter, Marion, and/or Putnam Counties

This position requires heavy travel in CLS’s service area; specifically, this role will require heavy travel, weekly, in Lake, Sumter, Hernando, Sumter, Marion, and/or Putnam Counties

Qualification

Elder lawLitigation experienceLegal representationCommunity outreachInterpersonal skillsCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsMicrosoft Office SuiteLegal judgmentTechnology proficiencyTeam collaboration

Required

Admitted to practice law in Florida and in good standing with The Florida Bar

Significant experience representing clients and maintaining a caseload is required

Strong communication skills, writing skills, and work ethics are required

Demonstrated proficiency with technology-based tools to track time, manage caseloads, and support efficient practice

Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education

Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team

Must be able to attend meetings and/or other functions at various locations throughout service area

Must be computer literate using Microsoft Office Suite

Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary

Must be able to travel to the offices within 12 county service areas and sometimes outside of service area

Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS

Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity

Must have strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to engage a diverse constituency with empathy and professionalism, particularly older adults and caregivers during challenging life events

Preferred

Minimum of four (4) years of experience working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters preferred

Significant legal experience in elder law preferred

Significant experience in litigation before courts and/or administrative agencies, preferred

Benefits

15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off

Excellent physical/mental health, vision, and benefits (With 95% of benefits paid for by company)

100% Coverage with Dental Benefits, Life Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability

100% 403B match up to 5% after 1 year of employment

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!

Company

Community Legal Services

Community Legal Services (CLS) has approximately 110 lawyers, advocates, and support staff working to provide civil legal aid for low to moderate income residents in Central Florida at NO COST.

Founded in 1966

Orlando, Florida, USA

51-200 employees