Work with Us

Reports to and receives general direction from the Chief Program Officer, Director of Litigation, Director of Advocacy, or designee.  The Managing Attorney, Fair Housing Program provides leadership and direction of the Fair Housing substantive law unit. This position maintains the highest standards of representation of client and the clients served by unit members. Ensures that unit members provide comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in civil cases in accordance with CLS’s mission and priorities, other program policies, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar

Managing Attorney Fair Housing Unit

Description

1. Represent clients within the entire CLS service area.
2. Mentor attorneys and advocates in litigation and advocacy strategies.
3. Travel as necessary to represent clients as well as to attend CLS authorized trainings and meetings.
4. Determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
5. Provide high quality legal services to eligible clients and client groups including identification of legal problems, investigation, advice, negotiation, representation before courts, administrative and legislative/quasi-legislative bodies, and preparation of necessary documentation.
6. Identify legal needs of the low-income community and develop legal educational programs, and/or direct advocacy strategies to address those needs.
7. Demonstrate the ability to handle complex litigation in a highly competent and efficient manner through use of advanced advocacy skills, as shown by having significant responsibility in a broad range of work, including federal court cases, appellate level cases, and other complex civil proceedings (i.e., jury trials, litigation involving impact or novel issues, novel forums, multi-day or complex multi-party trials, relief by extraordinary writ, etc.).
8. Collaborate with other units across CLS to address emerging or identified legal needs for the community holistically.
9. Perform advanced legal research including use of computer-based databases, e.g., WestLaw, and computerized practice software such as PACER, efiling portals, education platforms, etc.
10. Maintain a regular, active caseload.
11. Supervise paralegals, legal assistants, advocates, testing coordinators, and attorneys in all aspects of their work.
12. Manage completion of unit administrative and program objectives within defined scope and time period in order to provide detailed reporting on same.
13. Complete and submitting all required reports, timesheets, etc.
14. Assist with grant applications and reports as appropriate to maintain/obtain funding sources for the unit and CLS.
15. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
• Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

Background and Experience

• Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar .
• Must be a member in good standing of the Middle District of Florida federal bar or become a member within twelve months after date of employment.
• Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents.
• Prefer a minimum of 7 years’ experience practicing law, preferably in a legal services program and expertise within unit specialty.
• Prefer a minimum of 3  years’ experience supervising and managing grant based programs at the local, state, and/or federal level.
• Prefer a minimum of two years’ experience supervising or managing a minimum of two attorneys or other legal support staff.
• Must have courtroom litigation skills.
• Must possess strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Must have well developed skills in speaking and writing, including the ability to listen, negotiate, problem-solve, advise, and generally be accessible to diverse audiences.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking to diverse audiences including professionals and community members.
• Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
• Must be bondable.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required.  Ability to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area.
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary to travel on behalf of CLS; possibility of working weekends and evenings.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Apply Here

Community Legal Services (CLS) is seeking a Family Law Staff Attorney for our dynamic, non-profit law firm.

Staff Attorney Family Law (Daytona Beach) – $5000 Sign On Bonus!

Description

1. High quality legal services by representing and advising clients regarding their family law matters.
2. This position is responsible for representing low income and/or vulnerable clients on a broad range of family legal matters which includes regular court appearances, hearings, and trials in both State and Federal courts.
3. This position also includes regular client interaction including completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing advice and counsel.
4. The candidate in this role will research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to cases assigned as well as prepare and review legal writings such as pleadings, orders, discovery, and other documents for the court or government agencies.
5. The individual in this key role will negotiate and draft settlement agreements and conduct or participate in outreach events or activities of the unit and organization.
6. This is a Full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, attend meetings and/or other functions throughout the CLS 12 county service area.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted in good standing to practice law in Florida. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 – 5 years’ experience in civil litigation or working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters.
• Experience with subject matter areas within the area of family law, with a high capacity to prioritize, manage simultaneous tasks, and meet strict deadlines within a rapid-paced environment.
• Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve.
• Successful candidate will have highly approachable presentation, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively and consistently engage and collaborate with a diverse constituency of community stakeholders and organizations.
• Must possess excellent legal and community partnership skills and be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365).
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.

Apply Here

Community Legal Services (CLS) is seeking a Family Law Staff Attorney for our dynamic, non-profit law firm.

Staff Attorney Family Law (Lake Mary)

Description

1. High quality legal services by representing and advising clients regarding their family law matters.
2. This position is responsible for representing low income and/or vulnerable clients on a broad range of family legal matters which includes regular court appearances, hearings, and trials in both State and Federal courts.
3. This position also includes regular client interaction including completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing advice and counsel.
4. The candidate in this role will research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to cases assigned as well as prepare and review legal writings such as pleadings, orders, discovery, and other documents for the court or government agencies.
5. The individual in this key role will negotiate and draft settlement agreements and conduct or participate in outreach events or activities of the unit and organization.
6. This is a Full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, attend meetings and/or other functions throughout the CLS 12 county service area.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted in good standing to practice law in Florida. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 – 5 years’ experience in civil litigation or working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters.
• Experience with subject matter areas within the area of family law, with a high capacity to prioritize, manage simultaneous tasks, and meet strict deadlines within a rapid-paced environment.
• Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve.
• Successful candidate will have highly approachable presentation, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively and consistently engage and collaborate with a diverse constituency of community stakeholders and organizations.
• Must possess excellent legal and community partnership skills and be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365).
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.

Apply Here

Community Legal Services (CLS) is seeking a Family Law Staff Attorney for our dynamic, non-profit law firm.

Staff Attorney Family Law (Ocala, Inverness, and Tavares)

Description

1. High quality legal services by representing and advising clients regarding their family law matters.
2. This position is responsible for representing low income and/or vulnerable clients on a broad range of family legal matters which includes regular court appearances, hearings, and trials in both State and Federal courts.
3. This position also includes regular client interaction including completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing advice and counsel.
4. The candidate in this role will research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to cases assigned as well as prepare and review legal writings such as pleadings, orders, discovery, and other documents for the court or government agencies.
5. The individual in this key role will negotiate and draft settlement agreements and conduct or participate in outreach events or activities of the unit and organization.
6. This is a Full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, attend meetings and/or other functions throughout the CLS 12 county service area.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted in good standing to practice law in Florida. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 – 5 years’ experience in civil litigation or working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters.
• Experience with subject matter areas within the area of family law, with a high capacity to prioritize, manage simultaneous tasks, and meet strict deadlines within a rapid-paced environment.
• Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve.
• Successful candidate will have highly approachable presentation, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively and consistently engage and collaborate with a diverse constituency of community stakeholders and organizations.
• Must possess excellent legal and community partnership skills and be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365).
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.

Apply Here

Community Legal Services (CLS), is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney for the CLS Helpline

Helpline Staff Attorney

Description

1. Provide advice, brief services, and referrals in various areas of civil law.
2. Demonstrate a commitment to understanding and addressing issues of the low-income and vulnerable population that CLS serves.
3. Determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with firm policies and procedures.
4. Empower and counsel pro se litigants through various civil legal issues while providing local community resources for a holistic approach in addition to conducting an initial client consultation, identifying assessing and analyzing a variety of civil legal issues, conducting research, and preparing pro se pleadings/letters.
5. The position also requires the ability to learn and utilize multiple computer platforms and technology for matters such as client interactions, case management, and phone systems. In addition, an individual in this position must maintain professional and legal knowledge through continuing education.
6. This is a full-time position that may require the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, attend meetings and/or other functions within or outside the CLS 12-county service area.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted in good standing to practice law in Florida. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
• No prior experience in any particular area of the law is required, however, experience in civil litigation or working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters is preferred.
• Experience with working in a rapid-paced environment with a high capacity to prioritize and manage simultaneous tasks.
• The successful candidate will have a highly approachable presentation, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively and consistently engage and collaborate with a diverse constituency.
• Must possess excellent legal and community partnership skills and be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365).
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.

Apply Here

Community Legal Services (CLS) seeks a Staff Attorney for an exciting new partnership with a community organization located in Orange County, Florida. The project is aimed at addressing civil legal barriers to housing, health, and well-being of low-income individuals. Reporting to the (Senior) Managing Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership or designee, this position provides comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in civil and other cases in accordance with the program’ mission and principles of advocacy, other program guidelines, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct.

Medical-Legal Partnership Staff Attorney

Description

1. Determining client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
2. Representing low-income and/or vulnerable clients in a variety of civil law matters affecting clients’ health including public benefits, landlord/tenant disputes, disability-related issues, family law matters, debt collection and access to appropriate educational services.
3. Providing high-quality legal services to eligible clients including identification of legal problems, investigation, advice, negotiation, representation before courts, administrative and legislative/quasi-legislative bodies, and preparation of necessary documentation.
4. Researching and interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to cases assigned, as well as, preparing and reviewing legal writings such as pleadings, orders, discovery, and other documents for courts or government agencies.
5. Identifying the legal needs of the low-income clients of our community partner and developing legal educational programs to address those needs.
6. Cultivating and coordinating effective relationships with health care professionals and community-based organizations to assure CLS’ positive impact on individuals served.
7. Actively engaging community partner in the integration of legal services by training partner staff and volunteers; serving as an active member of the care team; and working with students including those in law, medicine, social work, and public health.
8. Assisting with the reporting requirements for grants under the Medical Legal Partnership. This includes matters such as running reports in the case management system, reviewing for compliance, meeting grant deliverables, and drafting reporting responses.
9. Developing and maintaining excellent working relationships with bar associations (including regularly attending bar meetings), bar leaders, legislators and other political officials and other community and non-profit organizations to assist in resource development.  Recruit s and provides services for private attorney involvement in CLS’s pro bono programs (which includes co-counseling).
10. Assisting at the CLS Helpline answering calls from potential clients, completing intakes, assisting with online intakes, and providing advice/brief services to eligible clients for civil legal issues.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar.
• Must be bondable.
• Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity
• Bilingual: English-Spanish preferred.
• Minimum 2-4 years of experience in civil litigation or working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters.
• Experience working or volunteering in public benefits, social security, health or human services setting, or in community/grant-funded programs preferred.
• Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve while managing a full caseload.
• Excellent legal writing, advocacy, organizational, and communication skills.
• Capacity to effectively and consistently engage and collaborate with a diverse constituency of community stakeholders and organizations.
• Flexibility and enthusiasm about outreach and the challenges in building a new program.
• Must be computer literate using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.
• Must be able to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, to attend meetings and/or other functions at various locations throughout service area the CLS 12 county service area.

Apply Here

Community Legal Services (CLS) is seeking a committed Staff Attorney to provide high quality legal services by representing clients in central Florida with civil legal issues. This position is responsible for representing individuals who are low income and/or vulnerable populations on a broad range of public benefits matters. In addition, this position will assist Veterans and their families with addressing civil legal barriers to the stability of their housing, health, and well-being in partnership with community-based organizations and their sub agencies.

Public Benefits/Veterans Staff Attorney

Description

1. Regular client interaction including completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing legal assistance ranging from brief advice and counsel to full representation.
2. Research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to cases assigned as well as prepare and review legal writings for the court or administrative agencies.
3. Representing and advising clients in a variety of civil law matters affecting clients’ housing and incomes, including, but not limited to, Public Benefits, Veterans Benefits and discharge upgrades, landlord/tenant issues, driver’s license reinstatement, criminal records sealing and expungement, debt collection, and child support.
4. Developing and maintaining a referral process between subagencies and CLS.
5. Identifying legal needs of the low-income community and developing legal educational programs to address those needs.
6. Conducting trainings for and outreach with community organization’s managers, staff, subagencies, and volunteers and supporting the firm’s overall mission.
7. Collaborating with Veterans’ organizations including VA facilities, Vet Centers for combat veterans, homeless shelters, Veterans’ courts, and Stand Downs for homeless Veterans.
8. Cultivating and coordinating effective working relationships with professionals and community-based organizations, to assure CLS’s positive impact on its clients served and create awareness.
9. Working a full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, attend meetings and/or other functions throughout the counties served by CLS.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to practice law in Florida in good standing.
• Minimum of three to five years of legal experience.
• Functional experience working or volunteering with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities preferred.
• Previous experience working or volunteering with Veterans and/or military families preferred.
• Experience in public or Veterans benefits, housing, human services setting, or in community/grant-funded programs preferred.
• The successful candidate will have a highly approachable presentation, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to engage a diverse constituency while managing a full caseload effectively

Apply Here

The Business Intelligence Analyst will transform data into actionable insights and help us serve the legal needs of Central Florida’s most vulnerable populations. The Analyst will work with stakeholders across our nonprofit law firm to develop reports and dashboards that provide insights into key performance indicators, trends, and opportunities. While CLS already collects data for grant reporting and law firm operational purposes, this role will work on a greenfield project to set KPIs and data standards for the firm.

Business Intelligence Analyst

Description

1. Collect, clean, and organize data from various sources, including internal databases, spreadsheets, and external data such as Census Bureau or other public datasets.
2. Develop and maintain automated data pipelines.
3. Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of the data through data validation and quality control processes.
4. Analyze data to identify trends, patterns, and key performance indicators.
5. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities for data-driven improvements and efficiencies.
6. Make data-driven recommendations to support needs assessments, strategic planning, and decision-making
7. Generate and distribute reports and dashboards that provide insights into organizational performance and progress toward goals and objectives.
8. Create compelling data visualizations to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.
9. Provide training and support to staff members to promote data literacy and self-service reporting.
10. Document/index data sources contemporaneously for ease of access throughout the firm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Business, Data Science, Information Technology, or Statistics). A master’s degree is a plus. Years of experience can be used in place of formal education.
• Proven experience as a Business Intelligence Analyst or a related role.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools, such as SQL, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, Python, R, or similar tools. Experience with ClicData and ArcGIS Online is a plus.
• Familiarity with data privacy and security best practices.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Previous work history in a grant-funded nonprofit organizations is a plus.
• Working knowledge of or ability and willingness to learn the following systems: LegalServer (case management system), Qualtrics/XM survey platform, GA4, PureCloud (VOIP phone system), Hubspot CRM, Critical Mention (social media listening software), Netsuite (accounting system), and ArcGIS Online.
• Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.
• Must be able to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs to perform duties, to attend meetings and/or other functions at various locations throughout service area the CLS 12 county service area.

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Reporting to the Manager of Administrative Services or designee, the Office Administrator provides services to the public, and clerical/administrative services and support to staff.

Office Administrator (Lake Mary)

Description

1. Greets clients, applicants, and other visitors to the office.
2. Answers telephones and refers callers to appropriate staff members, other CLS offices or other agencies, as appropriate.
3.  Distributes routine incoming and outgoing mail. Takes outgoing mail and overnight delivery packages to appropriate depositories.
4.  Operates and maintains upkeep of copy, scanner, and fax machines, eFax Portal, and other CLS office equipment.
5. Maintains upkeep, stock, and order of office supplies, only ordering when needed or suggested
6. Maintains supply of forms and pamphlets for clients, applicants, and other visitors to the office.
7. Potential to conduct brief initial intake interviews and completes intake for referral to appropriate staff.
8. Provides typing, other clerical and secretarial assistance, as required and when assigned.
9. Maintain case files, coordinates appointments, closes physical and electronic files, and file closed files.
10. Ensures office is polished and upkept, especially for arrival of new hires, clients, and guests. Communicates with maintenance when necessary.
11. May be temporarily assigned to other CLS offices plus travel may be required.
12. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of three years’ law firm experience in support of litigation and working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters also a plus.
• Highly self-motivated, professional, capable of independently managing workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced legal environment with minimal supervision.
• Excellent phone manner and professional customer service ability with superior organizational, communication and writing skills required.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in person and over the telephone.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Must be able to perform duties at various locations throughout service area.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 and Outlook.
• Valid Florida Automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.

Apply Here

Are you an attorney looking for rewarding volunteer opportunities. Are you a law student or pre-law student looking for an internship/externship? Maybe a paralegal wanting to obtain legal experience while giving back?  Find out more about our volunteer opportunities by visiting this page.

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment on the basis of age, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex, disability, socio-economic position, religion, political belief, protected genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal or State law.