COVID-19 Attorney (Full-time Temporary)

NOTE: This position is currently unavailable.  For a list of all open positions, please see our Careers page.

Bay Area Legal Services is seeking to fill a temporary full-time Attorney position in New Port Richey and Dade City.

The primary focus of the position will be to provide legal assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in areas such as housing law, such as evictions, preserving federally subsidized housing rights, and home ownership.  Other areas of assistance will include negotiations and representation of individuals facing debt collection, assisting individuals in obtaining public benefits and assisting with the preparation of advanced healthcare directives.   As this position is directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the term of employment will end on December 31, 2021 based on grant funding.  
Applicants seeking employment with us should understand and share our commitment to the BALS’ mission and vision, and be willing to abide by the four core values of Bay Area Legal Services.

Office Location

New Port Richey
7340 Little Road
Suite 101
New Port Richey, FL 34654

Illustrative Duties:

• Representation in court including emergency advocacy.

• Design and implement an outreach and community legal education plan that works closely with the low-income community

• Interview applicants and determine if eligibility requirements for established legal services are satisfied. Documents all client case information and related time spent in case management system accurately and timely. Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) or other grantor 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 needed.

• Explain legal options and bring possible outcomes or risks to their attention.

• Develop and implement strategies to resolve cases favorably. Prepare legal documents, such as contracts, healthcare directives, and pleadings, accurately and in a timely manner. Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making, gather and analyze evidence, identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information. Negotiate settlement of cases with opposing attorneys or parties. Prepare necessary correspondence relating to services rendered. Create and maintain relationships with organizations that are commonly adverse parties where possible to facilitate case resolution. Attend team meetings and collaborate with other attorneys on case questions.

• Develop arguments and represent clients participating in hearings before various courts and administrative bodies. Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.

• Travel to client meetings or hearings as necessary.

• Supervise junior attorney, legal assistants and activities of other legal personnel (legal interns, paralegals etc.)

• Assist other poverty program components as needed and offer advice in public relations, participate in appropriate community activities. This includes participation in BALS in-house committees and outside community/Florida Bar events when asked or needed.

• Stay informed about current legislation, especially assigned legal specialties. Attend Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses and/or other trainings to maintain knowledge in areas of expertise or gain new knowledge.

• Perform other duties as designated by the Team Leader.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate (JD), Florida Bar licensed and in good standing with the Bar.

• At least 3 years’ experience with civil litigation.

• Prior experience handling contested evictions, landlord-tenant disputes or housing legal matters.

• 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.

• Experience with legal database systems to document case assignments.

• Proficient with the use of virtual technology, such as Zoom, to engage in remote consultations, appointments and hearings where appropriate.

• Sympathetic and compassionate understanding of the social, economic, and legal issues faced by low-income individuals with limited access to such services. Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a non-profit legal services firm

• Bilingual Spanish/English a plus

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.