Description:
Overview:The Fair Housing Staff Attorney will investigate and litigate housing discrimination, cases in state and federal court and before administrative agencies. The attorney will represent individuals and organizations that have been the victims of housing discrimination and use dispute resolution techniques, including litigation to pursue systemic change to end segregation and remove barriers to housing choice. Fair Housing Staff Attorney is a full-time position with the ability to work both scheduled and flexible work hours, including some evenings/weekends, based on business need
Responsibilities:
- Representing clients on a broad range of Fair Housing topics.
- Investigating claims of housing discrimination in housing transactions such as rental, sale, financing, and insuring a home
- Providing legal advocacy, counseling, and advice to low-income clients in civil litigation matters, regular court appearances, hearings and trials, and client interaction.
- Drafting of pleadings memorandums and orders, preparation and review of discovery, and negotiation of settlement agreements.
- Filing state and federal court and administrative complaints, conducting discovery, depositions, motions, trials, and post-trial litigation;
- Litigating complex cases in state and federal court under supervision of the senior attorneys
- Initiating and pursuing administrative claims through the Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).
- Working collaboratively with other programs and initiatives to promote housing justice and further equal access to housing for all.
- Must be able to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions, including but not limited to educational outreach events on Fair Housing topics, throughout the CLS 12 county service area.
Qualifications:
- Admitted to practice law in Florida and in good standing (Admission to practice in the Middle District of Florida is required)
- Minimum of 3 years' experience working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters
- Experience in landlord tenant, fair housing, litigation, and public speaking.
- Ability to advocate consistently and zealously for clients in the regions we serve while managing a full caseload.
- 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.
- Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively both in writing and orally.
- Must possess a high capacity to prioritize, manage simultaneous tasks, and meet strict deadlines within a rapid-paced environment.
- Demonstrate a professional commitment to improving CLS's presence in the regions we serve, possess strong interpersonal skills, and superior organizational skills, with the ability to engage a diverse constituency.
- Must be computer literate (Microsoft Office 365).
- Proficient in Westlaw, LexisNexis, and/or other legal research platforms.
- Use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.
- Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively both in writing and orally.
