Managing Attorney-Special Litigation Unit

Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community. As an Orlando Business Journals 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree Orlando Sentinels 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree and a SHRM Mental Health AllyCommunity 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-Special Litigation Unit

OVERVIEW:
The Managing Attorney of the Special Litigation Unit is responsible for leading a team of attorneys that will handle the firms high-profile unique and Special Litigation cases. The Managing Attorney collaborates with the Director of Litigation on case development and investigation mentors staff attorneys and supports other Managing Attorneys and their teams in litigation addition to litigation the Managing Attorney is responsible for assisting the Director of Litigation in policy and advocacy and representing the firm as a leading voice of CLSs litigation efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Regular client interaction including completing intakes conducting interviews and providing legal assistance ranging from brief advice and counsel to full representation on the firms high-profile and Special Litigation cases.
2. Work with Director of Litigation and Director of Advocacy on identifying and responding to high-profile events that impact large numbers of potential clients.
3. Assist the Director of Litigation with assigned cases as needed.
4. Work with Director of Litigation and lead special litigation projects.
5. Supervise a team of attorneys and paralegals that make up the Special Litigation Unit including reviewing timekeeping expense reports and work product.
6. Assist as directed with litigation elements of CLS Advocacy Plan including participating in strategic advocacy projects.
7. Serve as a thought leader within CLS and the legal community on the law and policy in the assigned areas including staying abreast on changes in the law.
8. Serve as a spokesperson in public forums media and community events articulating the nonprofits legal strategies and positions.
9. Assist with the professional development of attorneys paralegals advocates and volunteers including assisting with the development of training programs and innovative ways to evaluate the advocacy/litigation skills.
10. Support mentor supervise and train attorneys and advocates as needed in the litigation process including motion practice strategy and other litigation processes.
11. Co-counsel or cover cases as needed for attorneys/advocates across the range of legal issues handled at CLS.
12. Support all reporting and compliance efforts with respect to program initiatives including grant reports.
13. Contribute to the development of organizational policy positions and strategies particularly those that can be advanced through legal action.
14. Participate in organizational strategic planning providing insights on how litigation and legal advocacy can support the nonprofits goals.
15. Work closely with other departments (e.g. communications advocacy pro bono etc.) to align litigation efforts with organizational initiatives and campaigns.
16. Build and maintain relationships with community organizations advocacy groups and other stakeholders to support litigation and advocacy efforts.
17. Assist in the development and management of the litigation budget and oversee the Special Litigation Units budget to ensure effective resource allocation and maximum impact.
18. Other duties as assigned in furtherance of the mission of CLS.
    
    

REQUIREMENTS

1. Commitment:

1. Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission vision and values of CLS.
2. Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs fiscal strength and organizational integrity.

2. Qualifications:

• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and in good standing.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of litigation experience including work on federal and state cases.
• Experience in the areas of consumer disaster fair housing housing and family law preferred.
• Some attorney supervision experience preferred.
• Strong leadership abilities and the ability to work in a collaborative work environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
• Valid drivers license and proof of insurance necessary

3. Physical Requirements

1. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
2. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. at times.

STARTING SALARY: $85000

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 on the basis of 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.