Sign on bonus available! Be part of an organization that is making a difference in the Central Florida community. As an Orlando Business Journal's 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree, Orlando Sentinel's 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, and a SHRM Mental Health Ally, Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full‑service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.Benefits15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off100% employer‑paid health, dental, life, and disability insurance, plus vision coverage at minimal employee cost100% 403B match up to 5% after 1 year of employmentCLS pays Bar Dues and CLE CreditsStudent loan reimbursement for AttorneysTuition ReimbursementAbility to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)Fantastic work‑life balanceVarious opportunities for upward mobility into leadership or more advanced rolesPet InsuranceWellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company‑wide retreats, activities, and challengesCLS is currently searching for a service‑mindful, mission‑driven individual to fill the following position:Staff Attorney-Older Adults Unit (Ocala/Spring Hill)OverviewThis position represents low‑income individuals and other vulnerable populations, including older adults and caregivers, in a broad range of elder law matters. The role supports older adults and caregivers in addressing civil legal barriers that affect their ability to age in place, including elder abuse, financial exploitation, consumer scams, housing and residential placement, age discrimination, advance health care planning, long‑term care and estate planning, guardianship, income instability, and family law matters. In addition, the position engages in community legal education, senior outreach, the provision of general legal information, and the development of collaborative partnerships with community‑based organizations to better serve the aging population.ResponsibilitiesRegular 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.Represent and advise 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.Develop and maintain a referral process between community partners and CLS.Identify legal needs of older adults and caregivers and develop legal educational programs to address those needs.Conduct training and outreach with the community organization's managers, staff, subagencies, and volunteers to support the firm's overall mission.Collaborate with aging and caregiver service providers and organizations, including aging agencies, county senior services divisions, aging networks, domestic abuse services, law enforcement, public schools, and faith‑based organizations.Co‑cultivate and coordinate 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.Draft pro‑se pleadings, counsel pro‑se litigants through the court process, represent clients in court or before administrative agencies, conduct discovery, attend mediation, negotiate disputes, and draft settlement agreements.Participate in outreach events and provide community education.Identify and participate in impact advocacy that benefits 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.Work 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, 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, Marion, and/or Putnam Counties.RequirementsCommitmentDemonstrate commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.Unwavering dedication to high‑quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.Background and ExperienceAdmitted to practice law in Florida and in good standing with The Florida Bar.Minimum of four (4) years of experience working with low‑income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters preferred.Significant experience representing clients and maintaining a caseload is required.Significant legal experience in elder law preferred.Significant experience in litigation before courts and/or administrative agencies preferred.Demonstrated initiative, sound independent legal judgment, and the ability to quickly build subject‑matter knowledge.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.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 the 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 the service area.Physical RequirementsProlonged periods sitting at a desk, driving, and working on a computer.Must be able to lift to 25 pounds at times.Starting salary: $70,000, more with experience, plus 10% sign on bonus of offered salary.General StatementCLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of an inclusive culture at all levels. CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals on the basis of age, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex, disability, socio‑economic position, religion, political belief, protected genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal or State law.The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all‑inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.#J-18808-Ljbffr