Staff Attorney-St. Petersburg

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!

Bay Area Legal Services 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: Staff Attorney (St. Petersburg) DEPT. OF VETERAN AFFAIRS Homeless Veterans Grant (BALS WST TEAM)-Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

This is a professional position involving the delivery of high quality legal advice, counseling and brief services as a licensed attorney. It requires excellent client interviewing skills, substantial knowledge of a broad range of poverty law issues that primarily impact the ability to obtain and preserve housing. These issues include, but are not limited to family law, landlord-tenant, and public benefits, as well as any issues that may impact the Female Veteran Population specifically. 

Attorney will need to give accurate legal advice to clients during their initial intake. This position will involve not only working with our local Veteran Population, but also will involve expansion of Legal services for Veterans in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. The position will also require providing outreach and education to veterans and the broader community about discharge upgrades, and further developing a discharge upgrade unit. Applicants seeking employment with us should understand and share our commitment to the BALS' mission and vision.

Illustrative Duties: 

• Perform as the primary case handler for discharge upgrade and character of discharge review cases. 
• Develop educational materials in various formats (print, online, live, video) to share information with the public about discharge upgrades and character of discharge review processes. 
• Conduct outreach to communities of relevant populations, to partner groups etc. to share resources and information about our services. 
• Stay informed about current legislation, especially assigned legal specialties. Attend Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses and/or other trainings to maintain knowledge in areas of expertise or gain new knowledge. 
• Obtain VA Accreditation within the first 120 days of employment 
• Perform high volume client intake in person and over the phone. 
• Determine eligibility and document all client case information and related time spent in case management system accurately and timely. Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC or other grantor requirements. 
• Communicate with clients to learn about their legal needs and concerns, advise and refer them to other full service teams or branch offices within Bay Area Legal, or to appropriate public agencies or other community resources for additional services needed. 
• Prepare legal documents, such as briefs, oral arguments, and pleadings, accurately and in a timely manner. Research relevant legal materials, gather and analyze evidence, identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information. 
• Develop arguments and represent clients participating in hearings before various courts and administrative bodies. 
• Travel to client meetings or hearings if necessary. 
• Supervise junior attorney, legal assistants and activities of other legal personnel (legal interns, paralegals etc.) 
• Assist other poverty program components as needed and offer advice in public relations, participates in appropriate community activities. This includes participation in BALS in-house committees and outside community/Florida Bar events when asked or needed. 
• Participate in appropriate community and statewide activities to support and promote and further the work of Bay Area Legal Services. 
• Assist the supervisor or Team Leader in preparing statistical reports and grant reports. 
• Assist in developing and updating appropriate legal advice and brief services letters, legal instructional materials and other written materials as requested by the Team Leader. 
• Perform other duties as designated by the Team Leader; 

  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 
• Excellent verbal communication skills 
• Excellent prioritization skills and ability to meet deadlines 
• Experience with legal database systems to document case assignments 
• Sympathetic and compassionate understanding of the social, economic, and legal issues faced by low-income individuals with limited access to such services 
• Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals 
• Ability to work closely and cooperatively with other team members 
• Ability to travel to counties within the service area to meet with clients, perform outreach, and make presentations 
• Familiarity and experience with poverty law issues, including but not limited to family law, landlord-tenant, and public benefits 
• Familiarity with Veterans Benefits law 

Desirable Qualifications: 

• 5+ years in practice 
• Knowledge of trauma-informed lawyering practices 
• Familiarity and experience working with a wide range of social service agencies 
• Internet, e-mail, Microsoft office, and word processing experience in a Windows-based environment 
• Experience in timely documenting case information in case management system(s) 
• Prior experience working with the veteran population and/or prior military service