Staff Attorney (Senior Advocacy Unit)-Remote

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

Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is seeking to fill a full-time Staff Attorney position on our Senior Advocacy Unit (SAU). 

Position Description: Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is seeking to fill a full-time Staff Attorney position on our Senior Advocacy Unit (SAU).  The SAU provides high quality legal services to seniors (60+) in a variety of areas including home ownership, landlord/tenant, public benefits, and other issues affecting low-income and vulnerable senior populations. The attorney hired will be responsible for providing legal services in three primarily rural counties (Polk, Highlands, and Hardee), and travel will be required. The position will be supervised by the Team Leader of the Senior Advocacy Unit (SAU).

Fully remote after the first month with an office available in the Plant City office to meet with clients, as needed.  However, this position requires the incumbent to travel throughout the three (3) counties as needed to meet with clients in person and ensure all client needs are met and requires participation in court proceedings and community outreach in person as necessary. 

Office Location

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

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. 

Illustrative Duties: 

• Interview applicants over the telephone and in person to provide eligible seniors 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 senior clients in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties, including appearances in court proceedings.
• Community outreach as necessary to increase awareness of free legal services for seniors in the three counties referenced.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Juris Doctorate (JD), Florida Bar licensed and in good standing with the Bar. 
• 4 years in legal practice
• 1 year litigation experience
• 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. 
• Sympathetic and compassionate understanding of the social, economic, and legal issues faced by low-income individuals and the elderly with limited access to such services. Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

Desirable Qualifications: 

• Previous experience with home ownership preservation issues and/or landlord/tenant
• Previous experience in a non-profit legal services or public interest firm 
• Bilingual Spanish/English strongly preferred

Compensation: 

• Minimum salary $74,350.00/yr. (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 and state where you learned about this 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.