Staff Attorney, Community Economic Development Unit

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


• 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:

Staff Attorney, Community Economic Development Unit

OVERVIEW
The Community Economic Development (CED) Unit provides legal services to low-income individuals looking to start a small business or who own a small business and to groups that want to form a nonprofit or have an established nonprofit that serves low-income communities. The Staff Attorney of the CED Unit is responsible for advising clients, drafting and reviewing contracts and governing documents, and other legal and non-legal tasks as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Engage in regular client interaction, including completing intakes, conducting interviews, and providing legal assistance ranging from brief advice and counsel to full representation on complex contract drafting or extensive research and advice. 


2. Draft governance documents, contracts, advice letters, and other documents or correspondence related to small business and nonprofit formation and development.


3. Conduct research needed to draft legal documents and to provide appropriate advice on small business and nonprofit legal matters.


4. Co-counsel or cover cases as needed for attorneys/advocates in the CED Unit.


5. Keep up with and apply changes in the law relevant to assisting small businesses and nonprofits.


6. Serve as a messenger in public forums, media, and community events, articulating the firm’s mission and services offered, at the discretion of the Senior Manager of Community Economic Development.


7. Provide educational workshops, either in person or virtually, on topics relevant and beneficial to aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofits.


8. Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to support community economic development efforts.


9. Actively seek educational opportunities to improve skills relevant to assisting small businesses and nonprofits.


10. Maintain an appropriate balance between client work and non-client work.


11. Work closely with other departments (e.g., communications, advocacy, pro bono, etc.) to align the community economic development needs of CLS’ service area with organizational initiatives and campaigns.


12. Contribute to the development of organizational policy positions and strategies.


13. Support all reporting requirements with respect to program initiatives.


14. Assist in the development and management of the CED Unit budget, ensuring effective use of resources for maximum impact, as needed.


15. Abide by all requirements and restrictions on grant funds assigned to the CED Unit.


16. Complete other duties as assigned to further the mission of CLS.

REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES

1. Commitment:       

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


2. Exhibit unwavering dedication to providing high-quality legal programs and maintaining fiscal strength and organizational integrity.

2. Essential Qualifications: 

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and in good standing.


• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.


• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment.


• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance necessary.

3. Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the areas of business/corporate, contract, and/or real estate law preferred.


• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.


• Proficiency with Legal Server.

4. Physical Requirements

1. Able to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work using a computer.


2. Able to lift up to 25 lbs. at times.

STARTING SALARY: $70,000, 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.