Pro Bono Assistant

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.

CLS offers:

• 15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off


• 100% employer-paid health, dental, life, and disability insurance, plus vision coverage at minimal employee cost


• 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:

Pro Bono Assistant 

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Manager of Pro Bono Services, the Pro Bono Services Assistant’s primary objective of this role is to assist the pro bono coordinators with clinics, case placement and case management as well as conduct intakes for the pro bono unit. This position is fully on-site for the first 90 days of employment. After the introductory period, employees may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement based on performance and operational needs. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Complete intakes and schedule clients for legal advice clinics and special project clinics; provide any other assistance needed by the pro bono coordinator to facilitate legal advice clinics and workshops


2. Answer telephone and return calls to clients; direct them to the helpline, appropriate office, other legal services programs, social services agencies, or the Florida Bar Referral Service. Complete LSC matters report for each referral outside of CLS program.


3. At the direction of the pro bono coordinator, reviews client eligibility from substantive law unit referrals, changes codes in case management system to reflect pro bono status, sends correspondence to clients and assists with file set up


4. Assists with recognition events


5. Works with office volunteers on office work and projects delegated by the Manager of Pro Bono Client Services


6. Conducts Legal Advice Clinics and Pro Se Workshops


7. Conducts intake at offsite clinics and outreach events


8. Processes mail and provides other clerical services as necessary


9. Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

1.  Commitment         

a.     Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.

b.   Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

2.  Background and Experience

1. High school diploma, or comparable experience required.


2. Law office and legal experience preferable.


3. Demonstrates commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income clients.


4. Possesses excellent communications skills, is highly self-motivated, professional, and capable of independently managing workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced legal environment with minimal supervision.


5. Excellent phone manner and professional customer service ability required, with superior organizational and highly polished communication and writing skills,


6. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.


7. Comfortable with conversing with attorneys and judges.


8. Must be a self-motivated, professional, and capable of independently managing workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced legal environment with minimal supervision. 


9. Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required.


10. Ability to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area.


11. 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.

3.  Physical Requirements

a. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

b.  Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

STARTING SALARY: $50,000, more with experience

GENERAL STATEMENT

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels.

CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals 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.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.