Staff Attorney (Hillsborough County Housing Stability Project)

Bay Area Legal Services is a regional, non-profit public interest law firm providing the highest quality legal counsel by:
• Assisting individuals and non-profit groups with limited access to legal services;
• Resolving the legal problems of clients; and
• Preserving the independence, hope, and dignity of those we serve.

Position Title: Staff Attorney (Full-time) - Home Office Location: Ybor City
Position Summary: This staff attorney position will be on our housing unit called TEAM ABLE with the primary role of supporting the Hillsborough County Housing Stability Project. The primary focus of the position will be housing law including settling landlord/tenant disputes, defending evictions, preserving federally subsidized housing rights, and home ownership.
Applicants seeking employment with us should understand and share our commitment to the BALS’ mission and vision, and be willing to abide by the four core values of Bay Area Legal Services.
Illustrative Duties:
• Interview applicants and determine if eligibility requirements for established legal services are satisfied. Documents all client case information and related time spent in case management system accurately and timely. Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) or other grantor requirements.
• Communicate with clients to learn about their legal needs and concerns, counsel, advise and refer them to appropriate public agencies or other community resources for additional services needed. Explain legal options and bring possible outcomes or risks to their attention.
• Develop and implement strategies to resolve cases favorably. Prepare legal documents, such as contracts, dispositions, briefs, oral arguments, and pleadings, accurately and in a timely manner. Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making, gather and analyze evidence, identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information. Negotiate settlement of cases with opposing attorneys or parties. Prepare necessary correspondence relating to services rendered. Create and maintain relationships with organizations that are commonly adverse parties where possible to facilitate case resolution. Attend team meetings and collaborate with other attorneys on case questions.
• Develop arguments and represent clients participating in hearings before various courts and administrative bodies. Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
• Supervise legal assistants and activities of other legal personnel (legal interns, paralegals etc.)
• Assists other poverty program components as needed and offers advice in public relations, participates in appropriate community activities. This includes participation in BALS in-house committees and outside community/Florida Bar events when asked or needed.
• Stay informed about current legislation, especially assigned legal specialties. Attend Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses and/or other trainings to maintain knowledge in areas of expertise or gain new knowledge.