Fair Housing Staff Attorney

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 after 1 year of employment (5%)
• 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 fulfill the following position:

Fair Housing Staff Attorney (SIGN ON BONUS, READ BELOW)

OVERVIEW
The Staff Attorney for the Fair Housing Unit will investigate and litigate housing discrimination cases in state and federal court as well as before administrative agencies. The attorney will represent individuals that have been the victims of housing discrimination and use dispute resolution techniques, including litigation to pursue systemic change to end segregation and remove barriers to housing choice.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Determining client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Representing clients on a broad range of Fair Housing topics throughout the CLS 12-county service area.
• Traveling as necessary to represent clients as well as to attend CLS authorized trainings/ meetings and outreach events. 
• Investigating claims of housing discrimination in housing transactions such as rental, sale, financing, and insuring a home.
• Providing high quality legal services including advocacy, counseling, and advice to clients from initial consultation to negotiations through civil litigation which can include court appearances, hearings and trials.
• Drafting/reviewing of pleadings, memorandums, orders, and discovery.
• Negotiating settlement agreements.
• Filing state and federal court and administrative complaints, conducting discovery, depositions, motions, trials, and post-trial litigation.
• Litigating complex cases in state and federal court under supervision of the Director of Litigation, Managing Attorney, or their designee.
• Initiating and pursuing administrative claims through the Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).
• Performing advanced legal research including use of computer-based databases, e.g., WestLaw, and computerized practice software such as PACER, e-filing portals, education platforms, etc. 
• Maintaining a regular, active caseload.
• Working collaboratively with other programs and initiatives to promote housing justice and further equal access to housing for all.
• Attend meetings and/or other functions, including but not limited to educational outreach events on Fair Housing topics, throughout the CLS twelve-county service area.
• Working in a team environment, including providing and receiving guidance.
• Providing 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.
• Attending training and conferences for educational purposes and to further fair housing.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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. Admitted to practice law in Florida and in good standing (Admission to practice in the Middle District of Florida is required)
2. Minimum of 3 years’ litigation experience
3. Experience working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters preferred
4. Experience in landlord tenant, fair housing, litigation, and public speaking
5. Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve while managing a full caseload
6. Successful candidate must be a self-starter, with the ability to issue spot and exercise sound independent legal judgment, work as part of a team, and bring oneself up to speed quickly on any necessary or lacking knowledge base
7. Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively both in writing and orally
8. Must possess a high capacity to prioritize, manage simultaneous tasks, and meet strict deadlines within a rapid-paced environment
9. Demonstrate a professional commitment to improving CLS’s presence in the regions we serve, possess strong interpersonal skills, and superior organizational skills, with the ability to engage a diverse constituency
10. Must be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365)
11. Proficient in Westlaw, LexisNexis, and/or other legal research platforms
12. Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.
13. This is a full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business needs.

3.  Physical Requirements 

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

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

SALARY: 70,000-$85,000, PLUS 10% of OFFERED SALARY

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.