Staff Attorney - Family Law

Florida Rural Legal Services Inc•Fort Myers, FL

13d•$74,000 - $109,650•Hybrid

About The Position

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farm workers statewide. The Staff Attorney provides civil legal assistance in family law, including representation and advocacy for people in need. The role interviews clients to determine eligibility and legal needs, provides advice, referrals, or representation, and represents clients in court and before administrative agencies when cases are accepted. It also includes community outreach and education, case review and documentation, staff collaboration, and compliance with FRLS policies and funder requirements. The position operates in a professional work environment. FRLS attorneys work in a hybrid environment and must work in their assigned office at least three days per week. Travel throughout Florida may be required. The role has no supervisory duties and requires monthly progress reports. The salary range is $74,000–$109,650. The starting salary of $74,000 applies to law school graduates who have not yet passed the bar; salary increases according to a union scale and relevant experience. Benefits include an employer-paid 403(b) contribution, medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, malpractice insurance, paid leave, and law school loan repayment assistance.

Requirements

Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school and admission to the Florida Bar; alternatively, a Certified Legal Intern (CLI) certificate is required.
CLI candidates must be eligible for and maintain active certification in accordance with Florida Supreme Court requirements. Certification is time-limited, generally up to 18 months, and continued employment is contingent on maintaining active certification and taking the first available bar exam after graduation.
Current law student or recent law school graduate eligible for CLI certification under Florida Supreme Court rule; if not certified at hire, certification must be obtained before onboarding.
Knowledge of state and federal court practices.
Some knowledge of the legal system and commitment to FRLS’s mission and compassion for its clients.
Ability to build positive relationships with prospective clients and colleagues.
Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
Ability to effectively and efficiently maximize existing resources.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations involving deadlines.
Ability to lift office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds may be required.
Ability to travel throughout Florida as needed.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of case management systems (CMS).
Bilingual Spanish/Haitian Creole.

Responsibilities

Interview clients, certify eligibility, identify legal problems within family law, and provide appropriate legal assistance through advice, referrals, or representation.
Participate in community outreach and education.
Represent clients in court and before administrative agencies in accepted matters.
Provide documentation, statistical information, and other records as required by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director, or Executive Director.
Participate in case acceptance meetings.
Participate in CLE and other required or legally relevant training.
Adhere to office hours and demonstrate strong work ethic, time management, respectful communication, and constructive feedback to paralegals on cases discussed.
Serve as a role model to support staff by promoting hard work, high-quality advocacy, courtesy, and respect.
Help ensure local office accessibility when necessary, including for rural clients, non-English-speaking clients, and clients with disabilities.
Promote good relations with the public, client groups, service providers, press, and private bars; attend or speak at local meetings as appropriate and approved.
Follow FRLS policies and the requirements of the Legal Services Corporation and other funders.
Maintain an accurate follow-up system to review cases when needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Submit monthly progress reports.
Travel throughout Florida as needed.