Staff Attorney

Join to apply for the Staff Attorney role at Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS).

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non‑profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farm workers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has offered services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, and more—all at no cost to clients.

FRLS partners with community organizations and pro‑bono attorneys to deliver advocacy, outreach, and education aimed at protecting the rights of those in need. FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice for over 50 years.

The purpose of this position is to provide civil legal assistance to eligible low‑income and elderly people approved by program policies and priorities in areas such as housing, domestic‑violence and family law, public benefits, consumer law, elder law, education, immigration, and civil rights.

• Interview, certify eligibility, identify clients’ legal problems, and provide advice, referrals, or representation.
• Participate in community outreach and education.
• Represent clients in court and before administrative agencies as needed.
• Provide documentation, statistical information, and other records as required by supervising attorneys or directors.
• Participate in case‑acceptance meetings and training to maintain continuing‑legal education and compliance with Florida Bar rules.
• Adhere to office hours, demonstrate strong work ethic, excellent time management, courtesy, and respect for clients and staff; provide constructive feedback to paralegals.
• Serve as a role model for staff, promoting high‑quality advocacy and respectful treatment of colleagues.
• Ensure accessibility of local offices for rural, non‑English‑speaking, and disabled clients when necessary.
• Promote good relations with the public, client groups, service providers, and press; speak at local meetings as approved.
• Remain familiar with FRLS policies and funding requirements.
• Maintain an accurate follow‑up system for reviewing cases.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA‑accredited law school.
• Bar membership in Florida.
• Knowledge of state and federal court practices.
• Commitment to FRLS mission and compassion for clients.
• Ability to forge positive relationships with peers and prospects.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Capability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Efficiency in maximizing existing resources.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of CMS is a plus.
• Ability to work under high‑pressure deadlines.
• Bilingual Spanish/Haitian Creole preferred.

• Professional work environment; largely sedentary role.
• The role may require lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Travel throughout Florida as needed.

• No supervisory duties.
• Monthly progress reports.

The starting salary is $68,000, based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience. FRLS offers a generous benefits package including a 403(b) with employer contribution, health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, malpractice insurance, paid leave (up to 5 weeks PTO, 2 personal days, 13 holidays), law‑school loan repayment assistance, and a hybrid work environment requiring at least three days in an assigned office per week.