Staff Attorney (Legal Aid Line)

For a list of all open positions, please see our Careers page.

This is a professional position involving the delivery of high quality legal advice, counseling and brief services as a licensed attorney.  It requires excellent client interviewing skills, a substantial knowledge of a broad range of poverty law issues and the ability to give immediate assistance to clients whose problems do not require litigation or other complex advocacy services. Represents low-income and/or other vulnerable client populations who have limited access to legal services.  

This position is part-time (22-29 hours per week), fully remote, must be a Florida resident, and be willing to come to our main office in Tampa, FL (Ybor City) for orientation.

Applicants seeking employment with us should understand and share our commitment to the BALS’ mission and vision, and be willing to abide by the five core values of Bay Area Legal Services. 

Office Location

Ybor City
1302 N 19th Street
Suite 400
Tampa, FL 33605
 

Illustrative Duties

• Processes legal services requests and evaluates the complexity of each client's legal problem, assesses income eligibility, confirms applicant eligibility determinations, and makes appropriate legal and social services referrals for applicants and clients not eligible for Bay Area’s services. Recommend exceptions to financial guidelines to the supervisor if appropriate
• Provides legal services as needed including advice, research, and brief services to clients who do not need extended representation, including preparing appropriate confirming letters as necessary and providing self-help materials
• Reviews documents submitted by applicants including durable and other powers of attorney and letters of guardianship  
• Determines whether extended legal services may be needed for CTI clients and when appropriate, schedules appointments with other Bay Area teams or recommends referrals to outside legal referral partners according to the guidelines established by the CTI Manager 
• Maintains complete and accurate client records using Bay Area’s legal case management system 
• Assists in developing and updating appropriate legal advice and brief services letters, legal instructional materials and other written materials as requested by the CTI Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Florida Bar licensure and active practice of law as a Bar member in Florida for at least two years. 
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work closely and cooperatively with other team members.
• Demonstrated ability to interview clients to determine essential facts with regard to the nature and severity of their legal problems.
• Demonstrated ability to accept major responsibility and to work effectively in an independent but closely supervised environment.
• Ability to document accurately in a legal case management system, efficiently use internet, and Microsoft Outlook & Word.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bi-Lingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
• Past experience as a Legal Aid/Legal Services attorney.
• Familiarity and experience working with a wide range of social service agencies.

Compensation: 

• Starting hourly rate $35.59/hr, increases based on relevant experience.
• Reimbursement for travel expenses (mileage etc.)
• Bay Area offers a comprehensive benefit package including a 4% match for the 403b retirement plan with immediate vesting as well as Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability coverage and more.
• Bay Area also offers generous time off and work life balance with 13 paid holidays and three (3) weeks’ vacation for the 1st year of employment and a 37.5 hour work week.
• Bay Area attorneys may be eligible for some loan forgiveness programs through the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and the Florida Bar Foundation (FBF).

This position requires successful completion of a level II background screening based on the required duties and responsibilities

How to Apply: 

• Send Resume and cover letter to recruiting@bals.org
• Include where you applied for this position (ex: bals.org, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.).

Bay Area Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran.