Certified Legal Intern

About Florida Rural Legal Services

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm dedicated to providing free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farm workers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has been committed to justice, offering pro bono legal services in areas such as housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, and education law. We collaborate with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education.

Position Purpose

This role focuses on providing civil legal assistance, primarily in family law, to eligible low-income and elderly individuals. Assistance may extend to other legal areas as needed.

Essential Functions

1. Client Services: Interview clients, certify eligibility, identify legal issues, and provide legal assistance, including advice, referrals, or representation.
2. Community Engagement: Participate in community outreach and education initiatives.
3. Representation: Represent clients in court and before administrative agencies.
4. Reporting: Provide required documentation, statistical information, and records to management.
5. Case Management: Participate in case acceptance meetings.
6. Professional Development: Engage in training to maintain Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and fulfill other mandated training requirements.
7. Work Ethic: Adhere to office hours, demonstrate strong time management, and communicate respectfully with clients and staff. Provide constructive feedback to colleagues.
8. Role Modeling: Uphold FRLS values by demonstrating hard work, high-quality advocacy, and respectful interactions.
9. Accessibility: Ensure office accessibility for all clients, including those in rural areas, non-English speakers, and individuals with disabilities.
10. Public Relations: Foster positive relationships with the public, client groups, service providers, and the private bar. Attend and speak at local meetings as approved.
11. Compliance: Understand and adhere to FRLS policies and the requirements of LSC and other funders.
12. Case Follow-up: Maintain an accurate system for case follow-up.
13. Other Duties: Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school and barred in Florida, OR
• Eligible for and maintain Certified Legal Intern (CLI) status per Florida Supreme Court requirements. CLI status is time-limited; continued employment depends on maintaining certification and taking the first available bar exam post-graduation. Current law students or recent graduates eligible for CLI are encouraged to apply. Certification must be obtained before onboarding if not already held.
• Knowledge of State and Federal court practices.
• Understanding of the legal system, commitment to FRLS's mission, and compassion for clients.
• Ability to build positive relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Skill in maximizing existing resources efficiently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). Knowledge of CMS is a plus.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Bilingual in Spanish/Haitian Creole is preferred but not required.

Working Conditions

This position functions in a professional office setting.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily sedentary role, with occasional lifting of office supplies up to 20 pounds.
• Requires travel throughout Florida as needed.

Reports

• No supervisory responsibilities.
• Submit monthly progress reports.

Salary and Benefits

• Starting salary: $68,000 (for law school graduates awaiting bar results). Salary increases based on a union scale and experience.
• Generous benefits package includes:
  • 403(b) with employer contribution.
  • Health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for employees and dependents.
  • Malpractice insurance.
  • Paid leave (up to 5 weeks PTO, 2 personal days, 13 holidays).
  • Law school loan repayment assistance.
• Hybrid work environment: Advocates must work in their assigned office at least three days per week.

Additional Information

Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website: ++HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration++