Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community! As an Orlando Business Journal’s 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree, Orlando Sentinel’s 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, and a SHRM Mental Health Ally, Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.
CLS offers:
- 15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off
- 100% employer-paid health, dental, life, and disability insurance, plus vision coverage at minimal employee cost
- 100% 403B match after 1 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)
- Fantastic work-life balance
- Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
- Pet Insurance
- Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company wide retreats, activities, and challenges!
CLS is currently searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fulfill the following position:
Pro Bono Staff Attorney
OVERVIEW:
Reporting to the Manager of Pro Bono Development, the Pro Bono Staff Attorney plays a key role within the Pro Bono Services team. The primary objective of this position is to ensure that pro bono attorneys and undergraduate/law school volunteers are actively recruited, retained, effectively supported, continuously engaged, and provided with opportunities to deliver high-quality pro bono legal services to CLS clients.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop legal educational programs to address the legal needs identified by the CLS Pro Bono Unit.
- Develop and lead new pro bono legal initiatives, such as themed clinics and targeted outreach throughout the 12-county service area based on client, pro bono attorney, and CLS/Pro Bono Unit priorities, including traveling to rural counties such as Putnam, Citrus, Flagler, and other underserved areas to conduct in-person outreach, build relationships with local partners and bar associations, and expand pro bono engagement and access to legal services.
- Serve as primary liaison for special projects including but not limited to, Peer Academy development, Sealing and Expungement Clinics, Housing Stability & Eviction Defense Projects/Workshops, and disaster relief.
- Collaborate and coordinate with the communications and development teams to publicize pro bono impact, assist with storytelling, and promotion of volunteer success stories.
- In collaboration with the Manager of Pro Bono Development, assist with building strong relationships with large law firms to increase their engagement with CLS.
- Participate in the evaluation and innovation of pro bono delivery models, including remote access and technology-assisted services.
- Provide legal mentorship and substantive support to pro bono volunteers as appropriate for special projects.
- Track outcomes and contribute to impact evaluations of pro bono special projects
- Assist with tracking and evaluating data for statistical reports on volunteer recruitment, engagement, and retention.
- Develop and maintain consistent working relationships with bar associations, bar leaders, and other community/non-profit organizations to assist in resource development.
- Utilize the CLS CRM system to update pro bono attorney non-case related engagement information and activities.
- Support outreach efforts to law schools, judicial offices, city/regional organizations, and voluntary bar associations to broaden awareness of CLS’ pro bono opportunities.
- Assist with the coordination of large-scale events, including pro bono appreciation events, clinics, workshops, and national pro bono activities.
- Participate in outreach events and provide community education.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Commitment:
- Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
- Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
2. Background and Experience:
- Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar.
Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents.
Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple project/priorities at once.
Comfortable presenting to large groups of people.
Must be bondable.
Must be able to attend meetings and/or other functions at various locations throughout service area.
Must be computer literate using Microsoft Office Suite.
Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.
Must be able to travel to the offices within 12 county service area; occasionally outside of service area.
3. Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods siting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
SALARY: $75,000-$90,000
GENERAL STATEMENT
CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels.
CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals on the basis of age, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex, disability, socio-economic position, religion, political belief, protected genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal or State law.
The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.
Skills Required
- Member in good standing of The Florida Bar
- Demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues affecting low-income constituents
- Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Community Legal Services
- Dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity
- Maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
- Comfort presenting to large groups
- Must be bondable
- Ability to attend meetings and functions at various locations throughout the service area
- Computer literacy using Microsoft Office Suite
- Valid Florida driver's license
- Use of personal automobile and proof of insurance
- Ability to travel to offices within the 12-county service area and occasionally outside the service area
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods and work at a computer
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
What We Do
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida is a full-service civil legal aid law firm providing no-cost legal assistance to the most vulnerable residents of Central Florida. Its mission is to enhance the lives of those it serves through legal support, assistance, and education, helping low-income individuals protect their families, health, and livelihoods while promoting equal access to justice for nearly 10,000 people annually.
