Gulfcoast Legal Services, a nonprofit civil legal aid provider, is seeking one full-time supervising attorney to join our Housing Law team at our Bradenton office. Travel may be necessary. Hybrid remote work opportunities may be available, up to two days a week, after 30-days.
The supervising 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. The supervising attorney also oversees the daily work of one or more paralegals and/or coordinates a specific project area or substantive component (e.g., tax, fair housing, MLP, etc.). Applicants should be comfortable working with survivors of abuse and trauma. The staff attorney position reports to an experienced Managing Attorney.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of basic office procedures, including Legal Server data entry, reporting, and use of basic office equipment and software.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written required.
• Ability to deal professionally, courteously and efficiently with people and clients in crisis.
• Ability to work independently and be detail-oriented.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
• Knowledge of and or experience in related field of law.
• Willingness to learn new reporting processes, procedures, document collection, and Legal Server coding required on variety of grant awards.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• A commitment to the provision of high-quality legal services to the poor.
• Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Florida Bar membership and eligibility to practice law in the State of Florida.
• No action and/or disciplinary measure taken by the Florida Bar preferred.
• At least two years’ experience as a practicing attorney in a legal aid setting.

• Supervises support staff/paralegals who report directly to the position and/or coordinates a project or substantive component.
• Serves as a mentor and resource for other legal staff within the unit.
• Prepares and submits project reports, as applicable.
• 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 state and federal court proceedings or before administrative agencies or before legislative bodies, as necessary.
• Consults, 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 developing new substantive and procedural skills.
• Assists in community education.
• 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 state and federal courts.
• Establishes and protects significant rights of clients through impact litigation and impact litigation as available.
• 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 own skills and expertise and to share information with other staff.
• Performs related assignments as required.