Hotline Staff Attorney

The purpose of this position is to provide civil legal assistance to indigent persons approved by program policies and priorities on such matters as individual rights, housing, public benefits, elder law, family law, consumer rights, education, and employment law through our Hotline Services Department.  

This position reports directly to the Hotline Director. 

Essential Functions: 

1. Interviews, certifies eligibility, and identifies the legal problems of FRLS clients within a specific area of law and provides clients with appropriate legal assistance in the form of advice, referrals, or actual representation.  

2. Participates in implementing future intake center vision and strategy.  

3. Represents clients in court and before administrative agencies as accepted.  

4. Monitors productivity of phone call management.  

5. Participates in case acceptance meetings.  

6. Participates in training to keep up CLE’s and required and legally relevant training as may be provided by the program and as mandated by Florida Bar rules.  

7. Adheres to office hours, exhibits a strong work ethic and excellent time management skills, communicates, and treats clients and staff with courtesy and respect, provides constructive feedback to other advocates (paralegals) on cases discussed.  

8. Serves as a role model to support staff by promoting the values of hard work, high quality advocacy and treating others with courtesy and respect.  

9. Attempts to ensure accessibility of the local office(s) when necessary, by serving clients, including rural clients, non-English speaking clients and client with disabilities.  

10. Promotes good relations with the public, including client groups, service providers, press, and private bars, attending/speaking at local meetings as appropriate and approved by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director and/or Executive Director.  

11. Is familiar with FRLS policies, as well as requirements of LSC and other funders, and adheres to those policies and requirements.  

12. Maintain an accurate follow-up system to review cases when needed.  

13. Monitor quality performance and phone volume related to client satisfaction. 

14. Perform other duties as assigned. 

1. Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.  

2. Barred in Florida.  

3. Family law experience required.

4. Knowledge of State and Federal court practices required.   

5. Some knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.  

6. Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.  

7. Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.  

8. Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.  

9. Must be able to effectively and efficiently be able to maximize existing resources.  

10. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint). Knowledge of CMS a plus.  

11. Must be able to effectively work in high-pressure situations, which involve deadlines.  

12. Bilingual Spanish/Haitian Creole preferred but not required.  

Working conditions 

This position operates in a professional, remote work environment. Please note that it may transition back to an in-office setting at any time. 

Physical requirements 

1. This is a largely sedentary role, however, some lifting of office supplies of up to 20 pounds may be required. 

2. Must be able to travel throughout Florida, as needed. 

Reports 

1. No supervisory duties 

2. Monthly progress reports 

Salary and Benefits:

 The starting salary for this position is $68,000, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience. FRLS offers a very generous benefits package that includes 403(b) with employer-paid contribution; health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents; malpractice insurance; paid leave (up to 5 weeks of PTO, 2 personal days, and 13 holidays); law school loan repayment assistance. FRLS Hotline Staff Attorneys operate in a remote environment. 

EEOC Statement:

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc., does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other characteristic protected by federal, state of local law.  

A Hotline Staff Attorney of Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. is subject to the FRLS collective bargaining agreement.