Staff Attorney (Family Law)

Are you interested in making a difference in your community? Are you passionate about helping others who are in need across different groups? Do you value work life balance? If you answer yes to these questions, Bay Area Legal Services may be the workplace for you!

Bay Area Legal Services (Bay Area) is a regional, non-profit public interest law firm providing the highest quality legal counsel and representation by:

• Assisting individuals and non-profit groups with limited access to legal services;
• Resolving the legal problems of clients; and
• Preserving the independence, hope and dignity of those we serve.

Position Title: Staff Attorney (Full-Time)

Location: Ybor City, FL (Hybrid- 3 days in office and 2 days remote)

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

Illustrative Duties:

• Interview applicants and determine if eligibility requirements for established legal services are satisfied. Documents all client case information and related time spent in case management system accurately and timely. Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) or other grantor requirements.
• Representation in court including emergency advocacy.
• Providing representation 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 to aid decision making, gather and analyze evidence, identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information. Negotiate settlement of cases with opposing attorneys or parties. Prepare necessary correspondence relating to services rendered. Create and maintain relationships with organizations that are commonly adverse parties where possible 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 appropriate community activities. This includes participation in BALS in-house committees and outside community/Florida Bar events when asked or needed.
• Referring clients to appropriate social services agencies and various community partners for additional services, if needed.
• Advice and assistance in connection with crime victim compensation.
• Compliance with grant requirements.
• Perform other duties as designated by the Team Leader.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD), Florida Bar licensed and in good standing with the Bar
• 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 communications 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 such services. Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

Desirable 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 a plus