Job Description

Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) is seeking to fill a full-time Bankruptcy Staff Attorney.

Position Description:

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated full-time Consumer Bankruptcy Staff Attorney to provide qualified legal services to low income clients to meet their civil legal needs. The Staff attorney will provide counsel and advice on consumer matters and represent clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies throughout our multi-county service area, as well as negotiate with creditors. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bankruptcy law, excellent negotiation skills, and a commitment to providing high-quality legal representation to our clients. The Staff Attorney will conduct research, prepare legal documents, and perform other duties to ensure that clients receive high quality legal services and best outcomes. The Staff Attorney will facilitate or directly provide qualified legal services to low income clients to meet their civil legal needs.

Office Location

1302 N 19th Street

Suite 400

Tampa, FL 33605

Illustrative Duties:

• Interview applicants and determine if eligibility requirements for established legal services are satisfied. Documents all client case information and related time spent in case management system accurately and timely. Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) or other grantor requirements.
• Provide legal counsel and guidance to clients navigating financial difficulties
• Conduct legal research and provide sound legal advice to clients.
• Handle bankruptcy cases from inception to resolution, including Chapter 7, and Chapter 13 filings. Draft and file bankruptcy petitions, schedules, motions, adversary proceeding complaints and other necessary documents. Attend 341 meetings, motion hearings, and court proceedings.
• Negotiate with creditors, trustees, and other parties involved in bankruptcy cases.
• Develop and implement strategies to protect clients’ assets and interests.
• Stay current with developments in bankruptcy law and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files and documentation in our case management system.
• Collaborate with other attorneys and support staff to ensure seamless case management.
• Participate in community outreach and education events.
• Communicate with clients to learn about their legal needs and concerns and refer them to appropriate public agencies or other community resources for additional services needed. Explain legal options and bring possible outcomes or risks to their attention.
• Develop and implement strategies to resolve cases favorably.
• Attend team meetings and collaborate with other attorneys on case questions.
• Supervise legal assistants and activities of other legal personnel (legal interns, paralegals etc.)
• Assist with other poverty program components as needed and participates in appropriate community activities. This includes participation in BALS in-house committees and outside community/Florida Bar events when asked or needed.
• Stay informed about current legislation, especially assigned legal specialties. Attend Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses and/or other trainings to maintain knowledge in areas of expertise or gain new knowledge.
• Travel to various locations in Central Florida as needed to appear in court, complete case-related tasks, meet with clients, and conduct community outreach and education.
• Travel to our main office in Tampa, FL on a monthly basis, as well as travel to our branch offices to meet with clients.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate (JD), Florida Bar licensed and in good standing with the Bar.
• 5 or more years’ experience in bankruptcy law
• Proven track record of successfully handling bankruptcies
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize and review work of others.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Excellent prioritization skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Sympathetic and compassionate understanding of the social, economic, and legal issues faced by low-income individuals and the elderly with limited access to such services. Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a non-profit legal services or public interest firm
• Bilingual Spanish/English a plus
• Familiarity with local bankruptcy court procedures and trustees.
• Familiarity with areas related to consumer protection including debt collection; identify theft, student loans, fraud and financial scams, auto repossession, payday loans, credit report disputes, predatory lending practices.
• Three or more years’ experience with Chapter 13 cases.
• An active ECF
• Admitted to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida

Compensation:

• Starting Salary $74,350.00 (increases based on relevant experience)
• Reimbursement for travel expenses (mileage for work events, etc.)
• Bay Area offers a comprehensive benefit package including a 4% match for the 403b retirement plan with immediate vesting as well as Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability coverage and more.
• Bay Area also offers generous time off and work life balance with 13 paid holidays and three (3) weeks’ vacation for the 1st year of employment and a 37.5 hour work week.
• Bay Area attorneys may be eligible for some loan forgiveness programs through the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and Funding Florida Legal Aid (FFLA).

This position requires successful completion of a level II background screening based on the required duties and responsibilities

How to Apply:

• Send your resume and cover letter to recruiting@bals.org
• Include where you applied for this position (ex: bals.org, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.).

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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