Staff Attorney (Special Education)
Location
Orlando, FL | United States
Job description
Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community. As an Orlando Business Journal’s 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree and Orlando Sentinel’s 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.
CLS offers:
- 15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off
- Excellent physical/mental health, vision, and benefits (With 95% of benefits paid for by company)
- 100% Coverage with Dental Benefits, Life Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability
- 100% 403B match
- CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits
- Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Fantastic work-life balance
- Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
- Pet Insurance
- Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company wide retreats, activities, and challenges!
CLS is currently searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fill the following position:
Staff Attorney (Special Education)
OVERVIEW
Special Education Attorney with experience in legal matters related to education. Background in educational law and compliance, with progressive experience in assisting parents/guardians navigate the special education process.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Must be admitted in good standing to practice law in Florida.
- Minimum of one-year functional experience working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters.
- The successful candidate must be a self-starter, with the ability to issue spot and exercise sound independent legal judgment, work as part of a team, and bring oneself up to speed quickly on any necessary or lacking knowledge base with the capacity to engage in independent and proactive learning in all areas of practice.
- Must possess a high capacity to prioritize, manage simultaneous tasks, and meet strict deadlines within a rapid-paced environment.
- Must have strong writing skills.
- Must have administrative and supervision skills, including ability to prepare and administer grants and reports.
- The successful candidate will demonstrate a professional commitment to improving CLS’s presence in the regions we serve, possess strong interpersonal skills, highly approachable presentation, and superior organizational skills, with the ability to engage with a diverse constituency while managing a full caseload effectively and consistently.
- Must possess excellent legal and community partnership skills, highly polished presentation skills, and be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365).
- Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Commitment
- Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
- Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
2. Background and Experience
- Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred.
- Must have a demonstrable commitment to understanding and addressing issues of low-income and vulnerable constituents.
- Must maintain professional and legal knowledge through reading and continuing education.
- Must have working knowledge of IDEA, Sec. 504 and ADA.
- Demonstrated high attention to detail, ability to handle and manage multiple projects and deadlines at once and deal with competing priorities.
- Strong writing skills with the ability to draft, edit and file systemic federal, state and local complaints.
- Must have well developed skills in speaking and writing, including the ability to listen, negotiate, problem-solve, advise, and generally be accessible to diverse audiences.
- Must be bondable.
- Must have access to internet and be computer literate using Word, Excel, Microsoft Suite, and Adobe PDF programs.
- Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.
3. Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods siting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
Starting Salary: 60k, more with experience.
GENERAL STATEMENT
CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels.
CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals based on age, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex, disability, socio-economic position, religion, political belief, protected genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal or State law.
The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.
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