Litigation Staff Attorney

Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community! As an Orlando Business Journal’s 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree, Orlando Sentinel’s 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, and a SHRM Mental Health Ally, Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

• 15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off
• Excellent physical/mental health, vision, and benefits (With 95% of benefits paid for by company)
• 100% Coverage with Dental Benefits, Life Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability
• 100% 403B match after 1 year of employment (5%)
• CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits
• Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Fantastic work-life balance
• Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
• Pet Insurance
• Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company wide retreats, activities, and challenges!

CLS is currently searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fulfill the following position:

The Staff Attorney of the Special Litigation Unit is responsible for assisting with case development, strategy and procedure and will serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in selected cases including high-profile cases. The Staff Attorney will assist the Managing Attorney and Director of Litigation in mentoring other attorneys in their assigned cases and on special projects.

• Regular client interaction including completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing legal assistance ranging from brief advice and counsel to full representation on the firm’s high-profile and impact litigation cases.
• Assist the Managing Attorney and Director of Litigation with assigned cases as needed.
• Work with Managing Attorney and Director of Litigation on special litigation projects.
• Assist as directed with litigation elements of CLS’ Advocacy Plan, including participating in strategic advocacy projects.
• Assist the Director of Litigation, the Managing Attorney, and other substantive law unit managers in mentoring and supporting the professional development of attorneys, paralegals, advocates, and volunteers, including assisting with the development of training programs.
• Be prepared to co-counsel or cover cases as needed for attorneys/advocates.
• Support all reporting and compliance efforts with respect to program initiatives, including grant reports.
• Contribute to the development of organizational policy positions and strategies, particularly those that can be advanced through legal action.
• Participate in organizational strategic planning, providing insights on how litigation and legal advocacy can support the nonprofit’s goals.
• Work closely with other departments (e.g., communications, advocacy, pro bono, etc.) to align litigation efforts with organizational initiatives and campaigns.
• At the discretion of the Director of Litigation and Managing Attorney, serve as a messenger in public forums, media, and community events, articulating the firm’s legal strategies and positions.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to support litigation and advocacy efforts.
• Assist in the development and management of the litigation budget, ensuring effective use of resources for maximum impact.
• Other duties as assigned in furtherance of the mission of CLS.

• Commitment:
• Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
• Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
• Qualifications:
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and in good standing.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of litigation experience, including work on federal and state cases.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership abilities and the ability to work in a collaborative work environment.
• Some experience in the areas of consumer, disaster, fair housing, housing, and family law…