Veterans Staff Attorney

Community Legal Services•Orlando, FL

22h

About The Position

Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full-service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, especially for vulnerable individuals. The Veterans Staff Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in civil and other cases, in accordance with CLS’s mission and advocacy principles, program guidelines, ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services, and the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct. The position reports to the Director of Advocacy, Senior Manager, Manager, or designee. The attorney assists clients with legal matters affecting housing and income, including Veterans benefits and discharge upgrades, landlord/tenant issues, driver’s license reinstatement, criminal records sealing and expungement, debt collection, and child support. The role also develops referrals, legal education, outreach, and collaborative relationships with Veterans’ organizations and other community partners. This is a full-time position with scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings and weekends based on business needs, and travel to meetings or other functions throughout the counties served by CLS. The starting salary is $75,000, with higher compensation possible based on experience. CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse workforce and inclusive culture.

Requirements

Must be admitted to practice law in Florida and be in good standing.
Three to five years of legal experience.
Commitment to promoting CLS’s mission, vision, and values, and dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
Exceptional organizational skills and ability to engage a diverse constituency while effectively managing a full caseload.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

Experience working or volunteering with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities.
Experience working or volunteering with Veterans and/or military families.
Experience in public or Veterans benefits, housing, a human services setting, or community- or grant-funded programs.
Highly approachable presentation.

Responsibilities

Interact regularly with clients by completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing legal assistance ranging from brief advice and counsel to full representation.
Research and interpret applicable laws, rulings, and regulations; prepare and review legal writings for courts or administrative agencies.
Represent and advise clients in civil matters affecting housing and income, including Veterans benefits and discharge upgrades, landlord/tenant issues, driver’s license reinstatement, criminal records sealing and expungement, debt collection, and child support.
Develop and maintain a referral process between subagencies and CLS.
Identify legal needs in the low-income community and develop legal education programs to address them.
Conduct trainings and outreach with community organization managers, staff, subagencies, and volunteers, supporting CLS’s overall mission.
Collaborate with Veterans’ organizations, including VA facilities, Vet Centers for combat veterans, homeless shelters, Veterans’ courts, and Stand Downs for homeless Veterans.
Cultivate and coordinate effective working relationships with professionals and community-based organizations to support positive client outcomes and create awareness.
Work scheduled and flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends as business needs require, and attend meetings or other functions throughout the counties served by CLS.
Perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or balance workloads.

Benefits

15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off.
Physical and mental health insurance, with 95% of benefits paid by the company.
Vision benefits.
Dental benefits with 100% coverage.
Life insurance.
Long- and short-term disability coverage.
100% 403(b) match after one year of employment (5%).
CLS pays bar dues and CLE credits.
Student loan reimbursement for attorneys.
Tuition reimbursement.
Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Work-life balance.
Opportunities for upward mobility into leadership or more advanced roles.
Pet insurance.
Wellness Committee events, including company-wide retreats, activities, and challenges.