Job Description

Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is seeking to hire an attorney for a full-time position on the Family Law Team within the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. This is a hybrid position funded under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The attorney in this position will have a caseload and provide legal representation to individuals who have been victims of domestic violence, primarily in South Hillsborough County, FL. The attorney will work with a team of approximately seven other attorneys, and support staff, and will be expected to handle a caseload of family law and injunction for protection against domestic violence cases. The position will be based in Tampa, and will involve regular travel to meet with clients in Ruskin, Florida. The Staff Attorney will facilitate or directly provide qualified legal services to low income clients to meet their civil legal needs.

Office Location

1302 N 19th Street

Suite 400

Tampa, FL 33605

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 victims and other clients with children, primarily in family court proceedings involving divorce, paternity, parental time-sharing, support, property distribution, and other legal matters.
• 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.
• 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 and/or Domestic Violence cases
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

Compensation:

• Starting salary $60,350/yr. (increases based upon relevant experience)
• Reimbursement for travel expenses for work events (mileage etc.)
• Bay Area offers a comprehensive benefit package including a 4% match for the 403b retirement plan with immediate vesting as well as Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability coverage and more.
• Bay Area also offers generous time off and work life balance with 13 paid holidays and three (3) weeks’ vacation for the 1st year of employment and a 37.5 hour work week.

This position requires successful completion of a level II background screening based on the required duties and responsibilities

How to Apply:

• Send your resume and cover letter to recruiting@bals.org

• Include where you applied for this position (ex: bals.org, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.).

Bay Area Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.

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