Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS)
Staff Attorney/Pro Bono Coordinator
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS), Lakeland, Florida, United States, 33809
Staff Attorney / Pro Bono Coordinator – 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 farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has been dedicated to justice, offering legal services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more—at no cost to our clients. FRLS partners with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to provide quality advocacy, outreach, and education aimed at protecting the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at
www.FRLS.org .
The Staff Attorney / Pro Bono Coordinator is a full‑time position reporting to the Managing Attorney. The role involves implementing the strategic vision and managing FRLS’ pro bono program throughout the 15th Judicial Circuit, focusing on Lee and Charlotte counties. Responsibilities include fostering relationships with the private bar, law firms, law schools, bar associations, state‑wide access to justice commissions, community partners, and national organizations; maintaining a caseload in priority areas such as housing, family law, public benefits, consumer law, elder law, education, immigration, civil rights, and other appropriate areas; and handling outreach and administrative duties.
Legal Advocacy
Interview, certify eligibility, and identify legal problems of FRLS clients, providing advice, referrals, or representation as appropriate.
Provide direct representation to clients as a staff attorney.
Act as “Attorney of the Day” as a staff attorney.
Co‑counsel cases with pro bono attorneys as appropriate.
Participate in outreach activities.
Represent clients in court and before administrative agencies as deemed appropriate.
Provide documentation, statistical information and other records as required by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director or Executive Director.
Participate in case acceptance meetings, work‑job meetings, pro‑bono agency meetings, and agency program meetings.
Participate in CLE and required legally relevant training as mandated by Florida Bar rules.
Adhere to office hours, demonstrate strong work ethic and excellent time‑management, communicate courteously, and provide constructive feedback to other advocates.
Serve as a role model, promoting high‑quality advocacy and respect among staff.
Ensure access to local office(s) for rural, non‑English speaking, and disabled clients.
Promote good relations with the public and stakeholders, attending and speaking at local meetings as approved by leadership.
Develop and maintain familiarity with FRLS policies and funder requirements.
Maintain accurate follow‑up system for case review.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Pro Bono Management
Manage the Pro Bono Program in the local office service area.
Recruit attorney volunteers, law students, paralegals, and other professionals for pro bono cases and legal advice clinics.
Conduct onsite intake at outreach events.
Manage case flow from intake to placement, ensuring strict guidelines are followed.
Act as mentor to pro bono attorneys.
Develop and implement pro bono projects, advice clinics, and outreach events.
Develop and implement CLE trainings for pro bono volunteers and staff.
Establish volunteer recognition programs.
Collaborate with committees, bar associations, community partners, and the public to promote FRLS Pro Bono Program.
Submit articles for local newsletters, produce recognition ads, press releases, and other promotional materials to increase engagement.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Juris Doctorate from an ABA‑accredited law school.
Barred in Florida.
Knowledge of state and federal court procedures (preferred).
Commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for clients.
Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively yet independently.
Effective resource management in high‑pressure, deadline‑driven situations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); knowledge of CMS a plus.
Bilingual English and Spanish/Haitian Creole preferred but not required.
Working Conditions This position operates in a professional work environment.
Physical Requirements
Willingness to travel.
Ability to lift 20 lbs.
Reports
No supervisory duties.
Monthly progress reports.
Salary and Benefits The starting salary for this position is $68,000, based on a union scale and adjustable upward depending on experience. FRLS offers a generous benefits package that includes a 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); and law school loan repayment assistance. FRLS Attorneys work in a hybrid environment, requiring at least three days per week in the assigned office.
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www.FRLS.org .
The Staff Attorney / Pro Bono Coordinator is a full‑time position reporting to the Managing Attorney. The role involves implementing the strategic vision and managing FRLS’ pro bono program throughout the 15th Judicial Circuit, focusing on Lee and Charlotte counties. Responsibilities include fostering relationships with the private bar, law firms, law schools, bar associations, state‑wide access to justice commissions, community partners, and national organizations; maintaining a caseload in priority areas such as housing, family law, public benefits, consumer law, elder law, education, immigration, civil rights, and other appropriate areas; and handling outreach and administrative duties.
Legal Advocacy
Interview, certify eligibility, and identify legal problems of FRLS clients, providing advice, referrals, or representation as appropriate.
Provide direct representation to clients as a staff attorney.
Act as “Attorney of the Day” as a staff attorney.
Co‑counsel cases with pro bono attorneys as appropriate.
Participate in outreach activities.
Represent clients in court and before administrative agencies as deemed appropriate.
Provide documentation, statistical information and other records as required by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director or Executive Director.
Participate in case acceptance meetings, work‑job meetings, pro‑bono agency meetings, and agency program meetings.
Participate in CLE and required legally relevant training as mandated by Florida Bar rules.
Adhere to office hours, demonstrate strong work ethic and excellent time‑management, communicate courteously, and provide constructive feedback to other advocates.
Serve as a role model, promoting high‑quality advocacy and respect among staff.
Ensure access to local office(s) for rural, non‑English speaking, and disabled clients.
Promote good relations with the public and stakeholders, attending and speaking at local meetings as approved by leadership.
Develop and maintain familiarity with FRLS policies and funder requirements.
Maintain accurate follow‑up system for case review.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Pro Bono Management
Manage the Pro Bono Program in the local office service area.
Recruit attorney volunteers, law students, paralegals, and other professionals for pro bono cases and legal advice clinics.
Conduct onsite intake at outreach events.
Manage case flow from intake to placement, ensuring strict guidelines are followed.
Act as mentor to pro bono attorneys.
Develop and implement pro bono projects, advice clinics, and outreach events.
Develop and implement CLE trainings for pro bono volunteers and staff.
Establish volunteer recognition programs.
Collaborate with committees, bar associations, community partners, and the public to promote FRLS Pro Bono Program.
Submit articles for local newsletters, produce recognition ads, press releases, and other promotional materials to increase engagement.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Juris Doctorate from an ABA‑accredited law school.
Barred in Florida.
Knowledge of state and federal court procedures (preferred).
Commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for clients.
Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively yet independently.
Effective resource management in high‑pressure, deadline‑driven situations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); knowledge of CMS a plus.
Bilingual English and Spanish/Haitian Creole preferred but not required.
Working Conditions This position operates in a professional work environment.
Physical Requirements
Willingness to travel.
Ability to lift 20 lbs.
Reports
No supervisory duties.
Monthly progress reports.
Salary and Benefits The starting salary for this position is $68,000, based on a union scale and adjustable upward depending on experience. FRLS offers a generous benefits package that includes a 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); and law school loan repayment assistance. FRLS Attorneys work in a hybrid environment, requiring at least three days per week in the assigned office.
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