Role Overview and Core Responsibilities

The Staff Attorney/Pro Bono Coordinator will operate under the supervision of the Managing Attorney, focusing on implementing the strategic vision and day-to-day management of FRLS’ pro bono program. Key responsibilities include fostering relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, from private legal practitioners, law schools, and bar associations to broader community and national organizations. The role will also involve maintaining a personal caseload in areas such as housing, family law, public benefits, consumer law, elder law, education, immigration, civil rights, and other relevant legal fields within the mandate of FRLS.

Legal Advocacy

The legal advocacy duties are extensive and multifaceted. The role involves “interviewing, certifying clients’ eligibility, and identifying legal problems, and then providing appropriate legal assistance in the form of advice, referrals, or actual representation.” Additionally, the Staff Attorney will:

• Provide direct representation to clients.
• Act as “Attorney of the Day.”
• Collaborate with pro bono attorneys for co-counseling on cases.
• Engage in outreach activities to connect with potential legal clients.
• Represent clients in court and before administrative agencies.
• Submit documentation, statistics, and other required records to management.

The candidate is expected to maintain a strong work ethic, adhere to office hours, demonstrate excellent time management, and exhibit courtesy and respect towards clients and staff. It’s also critical to serve as a mentor, role model, and advocate for the cause, “fatiguing when necessary” to meet client needs, especially those living in rural areas, non-English speaking, or individuals with disabilities, and to ensure these clients are not left without professional guidance and quality support. Advocating the local office to remain open and the best practices will ensure the development of strong community relations and foster trust among legal practitioners and the public.

“Promote good relations with the public, including client groups, service providers, press, and the private bar, attending/speaking at local meetings as appropriate and approved by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director, and/or Executive Director.”

Pro Bono Management

The role is also pivotal in managing the Pro Bono Program. Responsibilities include:

• Recruiting attorney volunteers and other professionals to handle pro bono cases. The FRLS prides itself on the number of volunteer services and training opportunities.
• Conducting on-site intake and managing case placement with volunteer attorneys.
• Managing Pro Bono cases from intake to closure.
• Developing and implementing various proactive outreach initiatives. The FRLS has a diverse clientele and a robust program.
• Conducting CLE trainings for pro bono volunteers and staff.
• Developing volunteer recognition programs. Volunteeer programs are invaluable in making legal services accessible to the public. FRLS ensures they put measures in place to appreciate their volunteers’ efforts.
• Working with various committees, bar associations, and community stakeholders to enhance the program’s impact. The fight for justice is not only at the courtroom level, ensuring there’s ongoing collaboration within the legal fraternity is central to advocacy.
• Promoting the program through local newsletters, ads, press releases, and brochures.
• Speaking at local meetings.

The Pro Bono Coordinator also plays an essential role in “collecting, documenting, and analyzing data to improve program effectiveness and outcomes, ensuring continuous quality monitoring and improvement.”

Required Qualifications

To excel in this position, the candidate will need a strong foundation in legal education and experience. The specific requirements include:

• A Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• A Florida Bar license to practice.
• Knowledge of State and Federal court procedures.
• Competency in the legal system, dedication to FRLS’ mission, and compassion towards clients.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills to forging positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.
• Ability to work collaboratively
  and independently and excellent time management
• Effective and efficient use of existing resources, taking advantage of the technology available and equipment required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). Knowledge of Case Management Systems (CMS) is a plus.
• Ability to thrive in high-pressure situations involving deadlines.
• Bilingual skills (English and Spanish or Haitian Creole) is a plus but not a must.

“Knowledge of State and Federal court procedures preferred.”

In aligning the mission associated with Florida Rural Legal Services for more profound advocacy, the pro bono coordinator plays a crucial role in promoting the value of pro bono participation and ensuring FRLS remains a leader in accessibility. Working for such a service will give the appointed advocate high esteem nationally and internationally.

Breakthrough Insights and Practical Implications

This Stratgically possible expansion of FRLS’ “pro bono program demonstrates a critical shift in how marginalized communities receive legal aid. By leveraging the 15th Judicial Circuit’s resources and fostering a collaborative approach, FRLS is poised to create a more responsive and accessible legal system.” Encouraging pro bono participation is not only a way to provide legal services but also ensures the professionals maintain relevant skills and relevance in an evolving society.

It mocks an excellent program, cutting back on ARC cost, Here is an experiential example of pro bono success:

“A family in Iva, Ohio, was facing eviction and potential homelessness during the pandemic. Through a concerted effort between legal aid organizations and pro bono attorneys, the family was able to secure temporary housing and stabilize their living situation. This case highlights the importance of proactive legal advocacy during times of crisis. Pro bono services ensure no community is left behind, no family goes unheard”.