Housing Law Staff Attorney

Three Rivers Legal Services (TRLS) has an immediate opening for a Staff Attorney to join our Housing Law Project. This is a litigation position representing clients primarily in rental housing and tenants’ rights matters. This includes eviction defense, subsidized housing preservation, security deposit retention and recovery, rental debt collection defense, and other associated consumer protection matters arising from the landlord/tenant relationship. This position may also serve older adults and vulnerable populations with other types of litigation, including but not limited to ejectment, unlawful detainer, and claims of equitable title. This position involves both defense and affirmative litigation. The attorney may work out of the TRLS Jacksonville, Gainesville, or Lake City Office. Remote work from within the State of Florida may also be considered for the right candidate. A desire to represent the needs of low-income clients and underserved populations is essential. TRLS is a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal assistance to low-income clients, the elderly and underserved populations. TRLS is dedicated to the provision of quality legal assistance and to community empowerment through preventive legal education and outreach.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide civil legal services to clients and client groups including advice, brief services, negotiation, administrative representation, and court litigation.
• In court actions, act as counsel for eligible clients and represent them throughout the proceeding until its termination including by drafting pleadings, motions and written discovery, taking and defending depositions and representing clients at mediation.
• Draft reports, letters, and community outreach materials.
• Conduct legal research and draft legal memoranda in support of representing eligible clients.
• Meet with clients throughout services and conduct thorough investigations of the facts supporting their cases.
• Review and supervise work product of assigned support staff member(s).
• In coordination with the Project Manager and other staff, communicate and foster relationships with the courts, local and state bar associations, community agencies, and local client groups.
• Represent TRLS at meetings, community events, and other outreach.

Qualifications:

• Attorney in good standing with the Florida Bar or law school graduate pending admission to the Florida Bar.
• Excellent oral, written, and legal research skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to tackle challenging work and adapt quickly to new assignments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and G-Suite.
• Demonstrated interest in public interest law and commitment to justice for low-income persons.
• Access to automobile during working hours, insured, and licensed to drive.

Salary and Benefits. Salary depends on experience. Starting salary for law school graduates who have recently passed the bar is $75,000. Benefits package include:

• Paid time off including 20 vacation days, 12 sick days, 12 office holidays, and 3 personal holidays.
• Health insurance, FSA Health and Dependent Care, short term disability (including maternity leave), and employee assistance plan.
• Employer paid $50,000 term life and AD&D insurance policy with option for employees to purchase additional coverage for self and coverage for spouse and/or child(ren).
• 403(b) retirement plan with 5% employer contribution after 2 years of service.
• Voluntary options of vision, dental, long-term disability, and wellness discount plan.
• Continuing legal education and paid membership in the Florida Bar and a local bar association.
• Minimum 35-hour work week. Office closes to the public at noon on Fridays.
• Flexible work schedule with remote options available for the right candidate.

EOE and ADA compliant. Applications will be accepted through December 30, 2026, or until the position is filled.

TRLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how their unique background and/or experiences might contribute to or enhance their ability to serve the low-income residents of North Florida.

Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Candidate hired for this position will be required to submit to a Level II background screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. For more information please visit the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website at https://info.flclearinghouse.com.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

License/Certification:

• Florida Bar License (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Gainesville, FL 32601

Salary : $75,000 - $95,000