Staff Attorney

Bay Area Legal Services is seeking to fill a full-time Staff Attorney position in Dade City.

Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is seeking to fill a full-time staff attorney position to provide counsel and advice and represent clients in civil legal proceedings in traditional areas of public interest law. The primary focus of the position will be in family law (original dissolution of marriage proceedings, original paternity proceedings, and supplemental petitions to modify) and domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and other injunction matters. The Team Leader of the Dade City office will supervise the position. Staff Attorneys will facilitate or directly provide qualified legal services to low income clients to meet their civil legal needs.

Office Location

Dade City

14950 US Hwy 301

Dade City, FL 33523-2807

Illustrative Duties :

• Providing representation to victims of crime in court proceedings including emergency advocacy.
• Provide advice and assistance in connection with crime victim compensation.
• 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 granter requirements.
• Communicate with clients to learn about their legal needs and concerns. Provide counsel and advice and refer them to appropriate public agencies or other community resources for additional services needed. Explain legal options and bring possible outcomes or risks to their attention.
• 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.
• Develop arguments and represent clients participating in hearings before various courts and administrative bodies. Present and summarize cases to judges.
• Travel to client meetings or hearings and trials as necessary.
• Supervise legal assistants and activities of other legal personnel (legal interns, paralegals etc.)
• Assists other poverty program components as needed and offers advice in public relations, participates in appropriate community activities. This includes participation in BALS in-house committees and outside community / Florida Bar events when asked or needed.
• Stay informed about current legislation, especially assigned legal specialties. Attend Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses and / or other trainings to maintain knowledge in areas of expertise or gain new knowledge.
• Perform other duties as designated by the Team Leader.

Minimum Qualifications :

Desirable Qualifications :

Compensation / Benefits :

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

How to Apply :

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.