Job Description

Gulfcoast Legal Services, a nonprofit civil legal aid provider, is seeking one full-time staff attorney to join our Housing Law team at our St. Petersburg office. Occasional travel may be necessary. Hybrid remote work opportunities may be available after 30-days.

The staff attorney involves a high degree of professionalism, compassion, independence, and personal initiative. The successful candidate will provide a full range of high-quality legal services to individual clients and to client groups, which may include representation in circuit court and administrative proceedings. Applicants should be comfortable working with survivors of abuse and trauma. The staff attorney position reports to an experienced Managing Attorney.

Primary Responsibilities:

Interviews and counsels clients in the office, at outreach sites, and elsewhere, if necessary. Researches factual and legal problems and is responsible for the development and implementation of case strategies. Represents clients in litigation, administrative advocacy and other advocacy forums including: state or federal court proceedings or before administrative agencies or before legislative bodies, as necessary. Provides counselling, advice, other brief services and referrals, negotiates and pursues all avenues of solutions, including mediation and litigation, with opposing parties. Keeps abreast of new areas of law, especially as they affect the poor, with emphasis on identifying developing and implementing advocacy strategies to address systemic legal problems confronting low-income clients as well as developing new substantive and procedural skills. Assists and participates in community education and client outreach. Reviews relevant legislative proposals, giving attention to the potential legal impact upon legal services clients and other poor people. Identifies systemic problems affecting low-income clients and advocates for solutions through negotiation and litigation in the community and/or state or federal courts. Establishes and protects significant rights of clients through impact litigation. Locates and assists eligible community groups. Assists, as a resource, private attorneys who have volunteered services to the program's clients. Participates in trainings, task force, workgroup and office meetings to develop skills and expertise and to share information with other staff. Performs related assignments as required.

Demonstrated Abilities

Ability to work on various community projects with different partnering agencies. Ability to work independently and with attention to detail on all case matters. Experience with trauma informed care or training preferred. Ability to deal professionally, courteously, and efficiently with clients in crisis. Ability to maintain client confidentiality and work independently providing representation to clients in the areas of public interest law.

Education/Experience Requirements

A commitment to the provision of high-quality legal services to the underserved. Juris Doctorate degree from ABA-accredited law school. Florida Bar membership and eligibility to practice law in the State of Florida. Prior experience as an attorney a plus, with preference for prior housing law experience. Law school clinical experience and/or internship will be considered. Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred.
Gulfcoast Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. Salary starting at $65,430.00/yr depending on experience. We offer an excellent benefits package, 2% retirement match, generous paid time off, the opportunity to work from home up to 2 days a week, a 37.5 hour work week and professional development CLE payment assistance. Attorneys may also qualify for the Loan Repayment Assistance Program through the Florida Bar Foundation of up to $10,000 yearly, as well as Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs. Candidate must complete an application and pass a background screening before employment can begin.

GLS provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, GLS will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $65,430.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Saint Petersburg, FL 33701