Staff Attorney Housing Stability Project-Advocates For Basic Legal Equality

Profile

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 (Full-time) - Home Office Location: Ybor City

Position Summary: This staff attorney position will be on our housing unit called TEAM ABLE with 
the primary role of supporting the Hillsborough County Housing Stability Project. The primary focus 
of the position will be housing law including settling landlord/tenant disputes, defending 
evictions, preserving federally subsidized housing rights, and home ownership.

Applicants seeking employment with us should understand and share our commitment to the BALS’ 
mission and vision, and be willing to abide by the five core values of Bay Area Legal Services.

Illustrative Duties:
•    Interview applicants and determine if eligibility requirements for established legal 
services are satisfied. Documents 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, counsel,  
advise and refer them to appropriate public agencies or other community resources for additional 
services needed. Explain legal options and bring possible outcomes or risks to their attention.
•    Develop and implement strategies to resolve cases favorably. Prepare legal documents, 
such as contracts, dispositions, briefs, oral arguments, and pleadings, accurately and in a timely 
manner.  Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making, gather and analyze evidence, 
identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information. Negotiate 
settlement of cases with opposing attorneys or parties. Prepare necessary correspondence relating 
to services rendered. Create and maintain relationships with organizations that are commonly 
adverse parties where possible to facilitate case resolution. Attend team meetings and collaborate 
with other attorneys on case questions.
•    Develop arguments and represent clients participating in hearings before various 
courts and administrative bodies. Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
•    Supervise legal assistants and activities of other legal personnel (legal interns, 
paralegals etc.)
•    Assists other poverty program components as needed and offers 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.
•    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.

Minimum Qualifications:
•    Juris Doctorate (JD), Florida Bar licensed and in good standing with the Bar.
•    Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize and review work of others.
•    Excellent written and verbal communications 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.

Desirable Qualifications:

•    1-3 years in legal practice
•    1 year litigation experience
•    Previous experience in a non-profit legal services firm
•    Previous experience working in the Housing and Unemployment fields
•    Some experience in housing law
•    Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus

Compensation:
•    Starting salary $50,000.00 (increases based on relevant experience), excellent 
benefits and reimbursement for travel for work related events.

How to Apply:
•    Email cover letter and resume to recruiting@bals.org and state how you learned about 
the role.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for 
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
national origin, disability or veteran status.
 

Company info

Bay Area Legal Services