Staff Attorney-Veteran's Team (Full-Time)

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

Bay Area Legal Services is seeking to fill a full-time Staff Attorney positions on its Veteran's Team.

Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is seeking to fill a full-time Staff Attorney position on 
our Veterans Law Center (VLC). The VLC provides high quality legal services to veterans in a variety of areas including but not limited to family law, landlord-tenant, home ownership, public benefits, and veterans benefits. The attorney hired will be responsible for telephone intake and brief services statewide through our Veterans Legal Helpline, as well as intake and extended representation in Bay Area Legal Services' service area. Community outreach, presentation development and delivery, and community partner engagement is a strong component of the job responsibilities. Applicants should expect to travel for these activities as necessary. The position will be supervised by the Team Leader of the VLC. 

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: 

• Interview applicants over the telephone and in person to provide eligible veterans with legal 
  advice, brief services, and representation as appropriate. 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.
• 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. Explain legal options and possible outcomes or risks to their attention.
• Develop and implement strategies to resolve cases favorably. Prepare legal documents such as advance directives and pleadings accurately and in a timely manner. Conduct legal research. Negotiate settlement of cases with opposing attorneys or parties. Prepare necessary correspondence relating to services rendered. Create and maintain relationships with community organizations and funding partners. Attend team meetings and collaborate with other attorneys on case questions.
• Provide full representation to veteran clients in Bay Area Legal Services' service area, including appearances in court proceedings
• Community outreach as necessary to increase awareness of free legal services for veterans.
• 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,
  participates 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. 
• Participate in appropriate community and statewide activities to support and promote and 
  further the work of Bay Area Legal Services.
• Assist the supervisor or Team Leader in preparing statistical reports.
• Assist in developing and updating appropriate legal advice and brief services letters, legal 
  instructional materials and other written materials as requested by the Team Leader. 
• Perform other duties as designated by the Team Leader. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Juris Doctorate (JD), Florida Bar licensed and in good standing with the Bar
• Demonstrated ability to work in an independent but closely supervised environment
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Excellent prioritization skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Experience with legal database systems to document case assignments
• 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
• Ability to work closely and cooperatively with other team members
• Ability to travel to counties within the service area to meet with clients, perform outreach, and make presentations

Desirable Qualifications: 

• Familiarity and experience with poverty law issues, including but not limited to family law, 
  landlord-tenant, and public benefits
• Familiarity with Veterans Benefits law 
• Knowledge of trauma-informed lawyering practices
• Familiarity and experience working with a wide range of social service agencies
• Internet, e-mail, and word processing experience in a Windows-based environment
• Prior experience working with the veteran population and/or prior military service

Compensation/Benefits: 

• Starting salary $52,500.00, increases depending upon 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: 

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

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.