Part-Time Staff Attorney-Senior Legal Helpline

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 non-profit law firm serving the Tampa Bay area for over 50 years. We assist low-income residents, veterans, seniors, children, domestic violence survivors, and many more.

Our Mission: 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.

Our Vision: Creating pathways to justice through high-quality legal services, education and community partnerships.

Our firm includes over 180 dedicated staff members comprised of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff who work to carry out our mission and vision daily.

Position Title: Staff Attorney (Senior Legal Helpline): Part-Time

Office Location: Remote (Must be a Florida resident)

Position Overview:

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, a substantial knowledge of a broad range of poverty law issues and the ability to give immediate assistance to clients whose problems do not require litigation or other complex advocacy services. Represents low-income and/or other vulnerable client populations who have limited access to legal services. Staff Attorneys will facilitate or directly provide qualified legal services to low-income clients to meet their civil legal needs

This position is part-time (22-29 hours per week), fully remote, must be a Florida resident, and be willing to come to our main office in Tampa, FL (Ybor City) for orientation.

Illustrative Duties:

• Processes legal services requests and evaluates the complexity of each client's legal problem, assesses income eligibility, confirms applicant eligibility determinations, and makes appropriate legal and social services referrals for applicants and clients not eligible for Bay Area’s services. Recommend exceptions to financial guidelines to the supervisor if appropriate
• Provides legal services as needed including advice, research, and brief services to clients who do not need extended representation, including preparing appropriate confirming letters as necessary and providing self-help materials
• Reviews documents submitted by applicants including durable and other powers of attorney and letters of guardianship
• Determines whether extended legal services may be needed for clients and when appropriate, schedules appointments with other Bay Area teams or recommends referrals to outside legal referral partners according to the guidelines established by the Managing Attorney
• Maintains complete and accurate client records using Bay Area’s legal case management system
• Assists in developing and updating appropriate legal advice and brief services letters, legal instructional materials and other written materials as requested by the Managing Attorney.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Florida Bar licensure and active practice of law as a Bar member in Florida for at least two years.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work closely and cooperatively with other team members.
• Demonstrated ability to interview clients to determine essential facts with regard to the nature and severity of their legal problems.
• Demonstrated ability to accept major responsibility and to work effectively in an independent but closely supervised environment.
• Ability to document accurately in a legal case management system, efficiently use internet, and Microsoft Outlook & Word.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bi-Lingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
• Past experience as a Legal Aid/Legal Services attorney.
• Familiarity and experience working with a wide range of social service agencies.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Starting hourly rate $36.65/hr., increases based on relevant experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package: 4% match for the 403b retirement plan with immediate vesting; Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability coverage; and more
• Generous time-off and work-life balance: 13 paid holidays & 3 weeks’ vacation for the 1st year of employment.
• Reimbursement for travel expenses (mileage, etc.)
• See all benefits here: https://bals.org/careers#benefits

This position requires successful completion of a level II background screening based on the required duties and responsibilities.

How to Apply:

• Send resume and cover letter to recruiting@bals.org.
• Include where you applied for this position (ex: bals.org, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.).

Bay Area legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $36.65 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Remote