Mission Statement: The mission of Florida Rural Legal Services is to empower low income individuals, groups, and communities by providing them with access to justice through legal advice, representation and advocacy.
Position Overview: The Advocacy Director is an executive management level attorney position who reports directly to the Executive Director. This position includes involvement in the overall management of the program, with primary responsibilities for such areas as management of advocate performance evaluations, training, assistance with the Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) program, litigation support, and recruitment.
Specific Duties and Essential Functions:
1. The Advocacy Director will be responsible for the full range of litigation program wide to include:
- Mentoring attorneys and advocates in developing litigation skills; developing litigation training (both for individuals and program-wide) and teaching the full range of litigation;
- Assisting in identification of systemic changes susceptible to negotiation, litigation, and/or policy advocacy;
- Leading litigation and co-counseling as needed;
- Assisting with pro bono services program wide.
2. Participation on FRLS Executive Management team.
3. Develop special projects as needed.
4. Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
1. Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
2. A minimum of eight years’ litigation experience is required.
3. Barred in Florida or willing to take the Florida bar within six months of hiring.
4. Knowledge of State and Federal court procedures preferred.
5. Extensive knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.
6. Strong, in depth litigation experience, including appellate experience.
7. Management experience.
8. Demonstrated teaching and mentoring experience.
9. Demonstrated ability to work across multiple substantive areas of law; the ability to identify systemic legal issues and creative solutions to multi-faceted legal problems.
10. Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.
11. Strong teamwork and communication skills.
12. Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.
13. Must be able to effectively and efficiently maximize existing resources.
14. Proficiency using technology tools in litigation.
15. Must be able to effectively work in high-pressure situations which involve deadlines.
16. Demonstrated interest in and commitment to the needs of clients with low incomes and disabilities.
17. Bilingual English and Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred, but not required.
Working Conditions:
Position operates in a professional office environment.
Physical Requirements:
Must be willing to travel as a part of leading advocacy efforts for FRLS
To Apply: Applications should include a resume, a cover letter explaining interest in this position, writing sample and possible start date. Email: [email protected]
Resumes preferred by September 13th, but will be accepted until the position is filled
NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG
