Veterans Staff Attorney

Community Legal Services•Orlando, FL

About The Position

Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full-service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The Veterans Staff Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in civil and other cases, following 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 serves clients on legal matters affecting housing and income, including Veterans Benefits and discharge upgrades, landlord/tenant matters, driver’s license reinstatement, criminal record sealing and expungement, debt collection, and child support. The role also develops referral relationships, legal education, and community outreach in support of Veterans and other low-income clients. It is a full-time position with scheduled and flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends based on business needs, and may involve meetings and other functions throughout the counties served by CLS. CLS describes itself as an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. The salary starts at $75,000, with a higher amount possible based on experience.

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.
Dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
Highly approachable presentation and exceptional organizational skills.
Ability to engage a diverse constituency while managing a full caseload effectively.
Prolonged periods 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.

Responsibilities

Complete client intakes and interviews, interact regularly with clients, and provide 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 record 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 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 clients and increase awareness.
Work scheduled and flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends based on business needs, and attend meetings or other functions throughout the counties served by CLS.

Benefits

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