VLP Pro Bono Clinic Coordinator; Staff Attorney

Position: VLP Pro Bono Clinic Coordinator (Staff Attorney)
* Are you interested in making a difference in your community? Are you passionate about helping others who are in need across different groups? Do you value work life balance? If you answer yes to these questions, Bay Area Legal Services may be the workplace for you!
* Apply promptly! A high volume of applicants is expected for the role as detailed below, do not wait to send your CV.

Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is a regional, non-profit public interest law firm providing the highest quality legal counsel by:

* Assisting individuals and non-profit groups with limited access to legal services;

* Resolving the legal problems of clients; and

* Preserving the independence, hope, and dignity of those we serve.

Position Title:

VLP Pro Bono Clinic Coordinator (Full-Time Hybrid)

Home Office

Location:

Tampa, FL (George Edgecomb Courthouse)

Position

Description:

This position involves the delivery of a full range of high-quality legal services through volunteers under the Volunteer Lawyers Program of Bay Area Legal Services. The Staff Attorney will be responsible for overseeing VLP clinics (including the Family Forms Clinics which operates several times a week), developing pro bono/outreach clinics, developing training materials, assisting with VLP intake, and overseeing cases placed with volunteer attorneys.

The position will be supervised by the Team Leader/Pro Bono Director of the VLP.

The largest VLP clinic, the Family Law Forms Clinic, is staffed by volunteer attorneys, law students, and law graduates. During the clinic, volunteers assist pro-se litigants with filling out family law pleadings, explaining the family law forms packet instructions and answering questions regarding the forms. The Pro Bono Clinic Coordinator will be on site throughout the clinic to review the pleadings, provide back-up support, and manage the operation of the clinic.

This is a unique position that helps to develop experience in project management, supervisory skills, networking, recruiting and outreach. It also provides an opportunity to provide hands on, meaningful assistance to pro se litigants. The Pro Bono Clinic Coordinator will also be responsible for developing and supervising additional clinics as community needs arise. Supervising clinics will make up 70% of the job responsibilities.

The other 30% of the time will involve providing additional support to the VLP team, including participation in bi-monthly intake sessions and oversight of open cases assigned to volunteer attorneys for extended representation.

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:

* Volunteer Supervision:
Responsible for supervising and coordinating all aspects of the VLP clinics.

* Volunteer Recruitment:
Assist in recruiting volunteer attorneys, mentors, law students, and non-legal volunteers, and providing communication with volunteer panels to include newsletters, etc.

* Volunteer Training and Scheduling:
Train and schedule volunteer attorneys, law students and law graduates to staff weekly clinics.

* Creating and Maintaining Best Practices:
Create and maintain updated clinic manuals and guidelines.

* Outreach:
Assist with intakes and clinics, which can occur throughout our service area and occasionally in the evenings.

* Manage the flow of pro se litigants at clinics.

* Case Processing:
Process legal service requests and evaluate the complexity of each client's legal problem, confirm applicant eligibility determinations, and make appropriate legal and social services referrals for clients/applicants.

* Case Management:
Oversee cases being handled by pro bono attorneys. Conduct follow up with volunteer to ensure case is progressing towards resolution. Comply with BALS internal policies to ensure case information is updated promptly in Legal Server.

* Adheres to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies, (and/or other appropriate professional associations), private funding sources, organization plans/policies and guidelines. Participates in periodic evaluative reviews and/or in-house and external staff training to ensure that she/he understands and continues to adhere to such standards. Initiates requests for assistance or guidance from supervisor to address new issues or complex concepts affecting adherence to professional standards.

* Performs other duties as designated by the Team Leader/Pro Bono Director of the VLP.

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

* Must have demonstrated experience in coordinating staff and volunteer activities or similar experience.

* Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize and oversee/supervise work of volunteers.

* Familiarity with legal terminology and the judicial system.

* Ability to think critically,…