ATTORNEY

Public interest law firm located in Gainesville, Florida, seeks civil rights litigator. Southern Legal Counsel litigates cases across Florida primarily in constitutional law, special education, disability law, LGBTQ rights, homeless advocacy, and governmental accountability. Future cases open to other areas of interest.

About Southern Legal Counsel (SLC)

Since 1977, SLC has stood up to state and local governments and others who have violated the constitutional, civil and human rights of Floridians. SLC’s charge is to ensure justice to those who have been wronged, access to those who have been denied, and opportunity for all types of populations. From its inception, SLC has fought to close abusive institutions, stop discriminatory and unconstitutional practices, and compel changes in laws and policies to strengthen the rights of children, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, people experiencing homelessness, and other individuals who would not otherwise have access to the justice system. For more information, visit www.southernlegal.org.

Job position

Legal Work:

• Representation of indigent clients in education, health, public benefits, and housing cases

• Litigation in federal and state courts and administrative hearings (including writing pleadings and briefs, conducting discovery and motion practice, handling hearings and trials, and arguing appeals) in individual and impact cases as lead or co-counsel

• Policy advocacy to effect change in local and state government

• Training, community education and outreach presentations

• Collaboration with pro bono, public interest and legal aid attorneys

Other Activities Shared Office-wide:

• Professional development

• Professional networking, Bar-related activities

• Assist with grant writing and fundraising activities

• Develop and maintain relationships with pro bono attorneys

• Supervise law student and undergraduate volunteers

• Review intake

• Provide material for website and social media

Qualifications

• Excellent research, writing, communication and collaboration skills essential

• Three years experience preferable; however, less experienced candidates with excellent qualifications will be considered

• Courtroom experience preferable

• Dedication to the public interest

• Member of The Florida Bar, or admission within one year of hire

• Ability to travel as needed

• Full-time

Benefits

• Starting salary for entry level attorney is $63,500 and increases based on years of experience.

• Generous leave policy

• Health, life & long-term disability insurance 100% employer-paid

• Spouse or Dependent health insurance partial employer-paid

• 403(b) retirement available

• Section 125 cafeteria plan available

• Hybrid work environment: in person and remote flexibility

Application

Send resume, writing sample and references to legalsupport@southernlegal.org, with “Attorney Applicant” in subject line. Rolling deadline until position filled.

Non‑discrimination Statement

The benefits and services of Southern Legal Counsel are provided without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, disability, age, sex, political beliefs, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or family status. SLC is firmly committed to a policy of equal opportunity in all aspects of employee relations, including employment, salary administration, employee development, promotion and transfer.