Elder Law Staff Attorney (New Port Richey)

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Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is seeking to fill a full-time, hybrid, Staff Attorney position to provide counsel and advice and represent Senior clients in civil legal proceedings in traditional areas of public interest law, including landlord/tenant evictions, housing matters, consumer issues, family law, preservation of public benefits, and advanced life planning and directives. The Team Leader of the New Port Richey Office will supervise the position.

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

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

Illustrative Duties:

• Advice and assistance by telephone and in person with Seniors seeking services.
• Interview applicants and determine if eligibility requirements for established legal services are satisfied. 
• 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.
• Representation in court including emergency advocacy as 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, dispositions, briefs, oral arguments, and pleadings, accurately and timely.
• 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. 
• Document 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.
• Create and maintain relationships with local organizations. 
• Attend team meetings and collaborate with other attorneys on case questions.
• Travel to client meetings or hearings as necessary.
• Supervise legal assistants and activities of legal personnel (legal interns, paralegals etc.)
• Assist in outreach and community activities. This includes participation in BALS in-house committees and in the outside community/Florida Bar events when asked or needed.
• Stay informed about current legislation, especially assigned elder law 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
• Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to effectively communicate with Senior clients and the legal community
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Works independently with excellent prioritization skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Experience with legal database systems to document case assignments
• Empathetic and compassionate understanding of the social, economic, and legal issues faced by low-income individuals and the elderly with limited access to services. 
• Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

Desirable Qualifications

• Prior work or clinical experience in civil and/or elder law
• Self -motivated and goal-oriented
• Previous experience in a non-profit legal services firm
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus, but not required

Compensation:

• Starting salary range $50,000.00-$52,500.00/yr. per year (starting salary increases based on relevant experience)
• Excellent benefits including extensive healthcare package, accrued annual, and sick leave time, retirement benefits, professional bar licensure and CLE payments, reimbursement for mileage for work related events. Eligibility to apply for student loan repayment assistance through the Florida Funding Legal Aid Loan Repayment Assistance Program.

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

How to Apply:

• Email cover letter and resume to recruiting@bals.org and state how you learned about the position.

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.