Part-Time Staff Attorney (Veterans)

Overview

Part-time position (up to 29 hours/week). This is a remote role for a Veterans Legal Helpline Staff Attorney.

The role involves providing high-quality legal advice, counseling, and brief services as a licensed attorney. Work includes client interviewing, applying knowledge of poverty law issues, and delivering immediate assistance when litigation or more complex advocacy is not required. The attorney will represent veterans and other vulnerable client populations who have limited access to legal services, and support the overall operations of the Veterans Legal Helpline.

Responsibilities

• Process legal services requests; evaluate the complexity of each client’s legal problem; assess income eligibility; confirm applicant eligibility determinations; and make appropriate legal and social services referrals for applicants and clients who are not eligible for services.
• Recommend exceptions to financial guidelines to the supervisor when appropriate.
• Provide legal services as needed, including advice, research, and brief services for clients who do not require extended representation; prepare confirming letters as necessary and provide self-help materials.
• Review documents submitted by applicants, including durable and other powers of attorney and letters of guardianship.
• Determine whether extended legal services may be needed for FVLH clients and, when appropriate, process referrals within the organization and to outside legal referral partners according to guidelines established by the FVLH Manager.
• Maintain and complete accurate client records using the organization’s legal case management system.
• Assist in developing and updating legal advice and brief services letters, legal instructional materials, and other written materials as requested by the VLH Manager.

Requirements

• Admission to the Florida Bar and in good standing with at least four years of experience as a staff attorney or equivalent practice experience.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work closely and cooperatively with other team members.
• Demonstrated ability to interview clients to determine essential facts regarding the nature and severity of their legal problems.
• Demonstrated ability to accept major responsibility and work effectively in an independent but closely supervised environment.
• Willingness to undertake major management tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in general legal practice, with preference for legal services experience.
• Experience and/or ability to supervise and work closely with others.
• Sympathetic understanding of social, economic, and legal problems affecting individuals with limited access to legal services.
• U.S. Veteran preferred.

Location

Remote position.