Staff Attorney-Senior Advocacy Unit

BAY AREA LEGAL SERVICES INC•Tampa, FL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is seeking to fill a full-time Staff Attorney position on our Senior Advocacy Unit (SAU). The SAU provides high-quality legal services to seniors (60+) in a variety of areas including home ownership, landlord/tenant, public benefits, and other issues affecting low income and vulnerable senior populations. The attorney hired will conduct telephone intake and provide brief services and extended representation in three primarily rural counties (Polk, Highlands, and Hardee), as well as Hillsborough County. Travel will sometimes be required in order to assist clients and conduct outreach. The position will be supervised by the Team Leader of the Senior Advocacy Unit (SAU).

Requirements

Juris Doctorate (JD)
Florida Bar licensed and in good standing with the Bar.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize and review work of others.
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 and the elderly with limited access to such services.
Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with home ownership preservation issues and/or landlord/tenant
Previous experience in a non-profit legal services or public interest firm
Bilingual Spanish/English a plus

Responsibilities

Interview applicants over the telephone and in person to provide eligible seniors with legal advice, brief services, and representation as appropriate.
Document 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, counsel, advise and refer them to appropriate public agencies or other community resources for additional services.
Explain legal options and possible outcomes or risks to their attention.
Develop and implement strategies to resolve cases favorably.
Prepare legal documents such as advance directives and pleadings accurately and in a timely manner.
Conduct legal research.
Negotiate settlement of cases with opposing attorneys or parties.
Prepare necessary correspondence relating to services rendered.
Create and maintain relationships with community organizations and funding partners.
Attend team meetings and collaborate with other attorneys on case questions.
Provide full representation to senior clients in Hillsborough, Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties, including appearances in court proceedings.
Community outreach as necessary to increase awareness of free legal services for seniors in the three counties referenced.