Director of Consumer & Federal Litigation

Position Description: 

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated full-time Director of Consumer & Federal Litigation to lead Bay Area Legal Services’ consumer protection and federal litigation practice. This position plays a key leadership role in setting strategic priorities, supporting advocates, and developing significant litigation—particularly on issues affecting seniors and vulnerable populations.

The Director will directly provide or facilitate qualified legal services to low-income clients to meet their civil legal needs and will also provide expert technical assistance, cocounseling, supervision, and training; identify emerging issues affecting BALS’ client populations; and enhance the organization’s statewide and national profile in consumer protection advocacy.

The Director of Consumer & Federal Litigation will report to the CEO/President.

Illustrative Duties:

• Identify patterns of consumer harm impacting BALS clients—particularly seniors—and      develop strategic litigation approaches, including significant cases in      federal court.
• Support, mentor, and train advocates in consumer litigation, federal practice, state practice, and emerging legal strategies.
• Identify training needs and conduct trainings on consumer protection, federal procedure, appellate advocacy, and changes in substantive law.
• Provide litigation support to advocates, including case strategy consultation, pleading review, research guidance, and co-counseling in complex matters.
• Assist advocates in pursuing attorney’s fees under fee-shifting statutes (FDCPA, FCRA, TILA, etc.).
• Review monthly litigation dockets of team leaders working on consumer and federal matters.
• Review and approve litigation expenses within the consumer/federal practice areas.
• Lead collaborative efforts across BALS teams and help build specialty groups focused on consumer protection, elder advocacy, and federal litigation.
• Chair the BALS Impact Advocacy Committee.
• Facilitate participation in statewide and national consumer advocacy networks, including partnerships with other legal aid programs and federal agencies.
• Co-counsel with external partners on significant consumer protection litigation.
• Monitor federal consumer protection developments—statutes, regulations, enforcement—and assess implications for clients.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Travel Requirements:

• Periodic travel to branch offices  (Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough) to meet with clients or staff.
• Limited travel to various locations in Central Florida under specific grant (Highlands, Polk and Hardee Counties) as needed to appear in court, complete case-related tasks, meet with clients, and conduct community outreach and education.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience practicing law, including at least six (6)  years in management or supervisory roles.
• Membership in the Florida Bar in good standing.
• Admission to the Federal Bar or eligibility to obtain admission within an agreed timeframe.
• Substantial experience as lead or co-counsel in complex federal litigation, preferably consumer protection litigation.
• Demonstrated experience handling complex state litigation.
• Strong knowledge of federal consumer laws, including FDCPA, FCRA, TILA, RESPA, ECOA, and related statutes.
• Experience with elder law, senior-focused advocacy, or consumer protection for aging populations preferred.
• Experience coordinating complex litigation efforts, including matters involving administrative processes, regulatory frameworks, or multi-party representation.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, including editing and training ability.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to holistic advocacy for low-income communities, including individual and impact work.
• Ability to identify and respond to emerging trends in federal litigation, consumer law, and related regulatory landscapes.