Staff Attorney – Migrant Farmworker Unit

Florida Rural Legal Services • Lakeland, FL

12h • 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 farmworkers statewide. The Staff Attorney’s purpose is to provide civil legal assistance to eligible low-income farmworkers and their families throughout Florida. The position focuses primarily on employment, housing, public benefits, and individual-rights matters, including unemployment, wage theft, discrimination, labor-based U-visas, and labor trafficking.

The attorney interviews clients, determines eligibility and legal needs, and provides appropriate legal assistance through advice, referrals, or representation. The role includes community outreach and education, representation in court and before administrative agencies when accepted, case documentation and reporting, and collaboration with colleagues and outside agencies serving farmworkers. The attorney also keeps current on legal issues affecting farmworkers, follows FRLS and funder requirements, and participates in relevant training.

This role has no supervisory duties and requires monthly progress reports. It operates in a professional work environment. FRLS attorneys work in a hybrid environment and must work from their assigned office at least three days per week. Travel throughout Florida is required as needed.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school and admission to the Florida Bar, or eligibility for Certified Legal Intern (CLI) certification.
• CLI candidates must be eligible for and maintain active CLI status under Florida Supreme Court requirements; if not certified at hire, certification must be obtained before onboarding. Continued employment is contingent on maintaining active certification and taking the first bar exam available after graduation.
• Current law student or recent law school graduate eligible for CLI certification, if applying through the CLI route.
• Knowledge of state and federal court practices.
• Some knowledge of the legal system and commitment to FRLS’s mission and compassion for clients.
• Ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Ability to maximize existing resources effectively and efficiently.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive throughout Florida.
• Ability to travel throughout Florida as needed.
• Ability to lift office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual Spanish and/or Haitian Creole skills.
• Prior experience working with migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
• Knowledge of a case management system (CMS).

Responsibilities

• Interview clients, certify eligibility, identify legal problems, and provide advice, referrals, or representation.
• Provide comprehensive legal services involving employment law, including unemployment, wage theft, discrimination, housing, labor-based U-visas, and labor trafficking.
• Participate in community outreach and education.
• Represent clients in court and before administrative agencies as accepted.
• Provide documentation, statistical information, and other records as required by management.
• Participate in case acceptance meetings.
• Attend training to maintain continuing legal education and meet program, legal, and Florida Bar requirements.
• Adhere to office hours, manage time effectively, communicate respectfully, and provide constructive feedback to paralegals on cases discussed.
• Model hard work, high-quality advocacy, courtesy, and respect for support staff.
• Help ensure local office accessibility when necessary, including for rural, non-English-speaking, and disabled clients.
• Promote good relations with the public, client groups, service providers, the press, and private bars; attend or speak at local meetings as appropriate and approved.
• Follow FRLS policies and requirements of the Legal Services Corporation and other funders.
• Maintain an accurate follow-up system for cases.
• Participate in training staff to identify farmworker clients’ legal needs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with agencies serving farmworkers and participate in joint referral and training opportunities.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal issues affecting farmworkers.
• Prepare monthly progress reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Travel throughout Florida as needed.

Benefits

• 403(b) with employer-paid contribution
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents
• Malpractice insurance
• Paid leave, including up to five weeks of paid time off, two personal days, and 13 holidays
• Law school loan repayment assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree