Managing Attorney-Fair Housing Unit

Description:

Be a part of an organization making a difference in A Full-Service Law Firm. As an Orlando Business Journal's 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree and Orlando Sentinel's 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, A Full-Service Law Firm is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.
Overview:
Reports to and receives general direction from the Chief Program Officer, Director of Litigation, Director of Advocacy, or designee. The Managing Attorney, Fair Housing Program provides leadership and direction of the Fair Housing substantive law unit. This position maintains the highest standards of representation of client and the clients served by unit members. Ensures that unit members provide comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in civil cases in accordance with CLS's mission and priorities, other program policies, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar
Responsibilities:

• Represent clients within the entire CLS service area.
• Mentor attorneys and advocates in litigation and advocacy strategies.
• Travel as necessary to represent clients as well as to attend CLS authorized trainings and meetings.
• Determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Provide high quality legal services to eligible clients and client groups including identification of legal problems, investigation, advice, negotiation, representation before courts, administrative and legislative/quasi-legislative bodies, and preparation of necessary documentation.
• Identify legal needs of the low-income community and develop legal educational programs, and/or direct advocacy strategies to address those needs.
• Demonstrate the ability to handle complex litigation in a highly competent and efficient manner through use of advanced advocacy skills, as shown by having significant responsibility in a broad range of work, including federal court cases, appellate level cases, and other complex civil proceedings (i.e., jury trials, litigation involving impact or novel issues, novel forums, multi-day or complex multi-party trials, relief by extraordinary writ, etc.).
• Collaborate with other units across CLS to address emerging or identified legal needs for the community holistically.
• Perform advanced legal research including use of computer-based databases, e.g., WestLaw, and computerized practice software such as PACER, efiling portals, education platforms, etc.
• Maintain a regular, active caseload.
• Supervise paralegals, legal assistants, advocates, testing coordinators, and attorneys in all aspects of their work.
• Manage completion of unit administrative and program objectives within defined scope and time period in order to provide detailed reporting on same.
• Complete and submitting all required reports, timesheets, etc.
• Assist with grant applications and reports as appropriate to maintain/obtain funding sources for the unit and CLS.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
Commitment

• Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
• Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

Background and Experience

• Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar .
• Must be a member in good standing of the Middle District of Florida federal bar or become a member within twelve months after date of employment.
• Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents.
• Prefer a minimum of 7 years' experience practicing law, preferably in a legal services program and expertise within unit specialty.
• Prefer a minimum of 3 years' experience supervising and managing grant based programs at the local, state, and/or federal level.
• Prefer a minimum of two years' experience supervising or managing a minimum of two attorneys or other legal support staff.
• Must have courtroom litigation skills.
• Must possess strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Must have well developed skills in speaking and writing, including the ability to listen, negotiate, problem-solve, advise, and generally be accessible to diverse audiences.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking to diverse audiences including professionals and community members.
• Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
• Must be bondable.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required. Ability to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area.
• 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.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

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