Managing Attorney-Real Property Rights Protection

Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community. As an Orlando Business Journal’s 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree, Orlando Sentinel’s 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, and a SHRM Mental Health Ally, Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

CLS offers:

• 15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off
• Excellent physical/mental health, vision, and benefits (With 95% of benefits paid for by company)
• 100% Coverage with Dental Benefits, Life Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability
• 100% 403B match up to 5% after 1 year of employment
• CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits
• Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Fantastic work-life balance
• Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
• Pet Insurance
• Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company wide retreats, activities, and challenges!

CLS is currently searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fill the following position:

Managing Attorney-Real Property Rights Protection

OVERVIEW

Reports to and receives general direction from the Director of Advocacy, Chief Program Officer, or designee. The Managing Attorney-Real Property Rights Protection provides leadership and direction of this substantive unit which is dedicated to protecting real property rights and promoting sustainable land ownership and generational wealth. This position maintains the highest standards of representation of the clients by CLS. 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, the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, and Florida’s 2001 Plan for Legal Services

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop legal education programs and advocacy strategies to address real property rights protection for the community within the CLS service area.
2. Travel as necessary to conduct outreach, represent clients, and attend relevant training courses and meetings.  
3. Develop and determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies, priorities, grant requirements and procedures.  
4. Provide the highest quality legal services to eligible clients including identification of legal problems, investigation, advice, negotiation, representation before courts, administrative and legislative/quasi-legislative bodies, and preparation of necessary documentation.  
5. Expand CLS unit dedicated to real property rights by identifying the legal needs of clients with problems related to the ownership or title of the real property they reside in. This includes matters such as probate administration, chain of title issues, tax sales, quiet title actions, land partitions, and disaster assistance programs.
6. Represent clients within the entire 12 county CLS service area and actively collaborate with other community-based organizations and agencies to strengthen the social, physical, and economic infrastructure of neighborhoods of communities in need.
7. If appropriate, supervise paralegals, legal assistants, and attorneys in all aspects of their work.  
8. 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 necessary for the 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.).  
9. Perform advanced legal research including use of computer-based databases, e.g., Westlaw, and computerized practice software necessary for the unit work.  
10. Maintain a regular, active caseload.  
11. Complete and submit all required reports, timesheets, administrative duties, etc.   
12. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Commitment              

a.     Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.

b.   Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

2. Background and Experience

1. Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar.
2. Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income constituents.
3. Prefer a minimum of 7 years of experience practicing law, preferably in a legal services program and/or expertise within unit specialty and a minimum of 5 years of management experience. 
4. Experience working with and appearing before community and interagency committees, City Boards and commissions and organizations.
5. May be required to have courtroom litigation skills.
6. Must have supervision skills.
7. 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.
8. Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
9. Must be bondable
10. Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required. 
11. Ability to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area.
12. Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary to travel on behalf of CLS; possibility of working evenings and weekends.

3.  Requirements

a. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

b. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times. 

STARTING SALARY: 85,000, more with experience. 

GENERAL STATEMENT

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels.

CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals based on age, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex, disability, socio-economic position, religion, political belief, protected genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal or State law.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.