Executive Consumer Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Position Description: 

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated full-time Director of Consumer & Federal Litigation to lead Bay Area Legal Services' consumer protection and federal litigation practice. This position plays a key leadership role in setting strategic priorities, supporting advocates, and developing significant litigation-particularly on issues affecting seniors and vulnerable populations.

The Director will directly provide or facilitate qualified legal services to low-income clients to meet their civil legal needs and will also provide expert technical assistance, cocounseling, supervision, and training; identify emerging issues affecting BALS' client populations; and enhance the organization's statewide and national profile in consumer protection advocacy.

The Director of Consumer & Federal Litigation will report to the CEO/President.

Illustrative Duties:

• Identify patterns of consumer harm impacting BALS clients-particularly seniors-and      develop strategic litigation approaches, including significant cases in      federal court.
• Support, mentor, and train advocates in consumer litigation, federal practice, state practice, and emerging legal strategies.
• Identify training needs and conduct trainings on consumer protection, federal procedure, appellate advocacy, and changes in substantive law.
• Provide litigation support to advocates, including case strategy consultation, pleading review, research guidance, and co-counseling in complex matters.
• Assist advocates in pursuing attorney's fees under fee-shifting statutes (FDCPA, FCRA, TILA, etc.).
• Review monthly litigation dockets of team leaders working on consumer and federal matters.
• Review and approve litigation expenses within the consumer/federal practice areas.
• Lead collaborative efforts across BALS teams and help build specialty groups focused on consumer protection, elder advocacy, and federal litigation.
• Chair the BALS Impact Advocacy Committee.
• Facilitate participation in statewide and national consumer advocacy networks, including partnerships with other legal aid programs and federal agencies.
• Co-counsel with external partners on significant consumer protection litigation.
• Monitor federal consumer protection developments-statutes, regulations, enforcement-and assess implications for clients.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Travel Requirements:

• Periodic travel to branch offices  (Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough) to meet with clients or staff.
• Limited travel to various locations in Central Florida under specific grant (Highlands, Polk and Hardee Counties) as needed to appear in court, complete case-related tasks, meet with clients, and conduct community outreach and education.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum of ten (10) years' experience practicing law, including at least six (6)  years in management or supervisory roles.
• Membership in the Florida Bar in good standing.
• Admission to the Federal Bar or eligibility to obtain admission within an agreed timeframe.
• Substantial experience as lead or co-counsel in complex federal litigation, preferably consumer protection litigation.
• Demonstrated experience handling complex state litigation.
• Strong knowledge of federal consumer laws, including FDCPA, FCRA, TILA, RESPA, ECOA, and related statutes.
• Experience with elder law, senior-focused advocacy, or consumer protection for aging populations preferred.
• Experience coordinating complex litigation efforts, including matters involving administrative processes, regulatory frameworks, or multi-party representation.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, including editing and training ability.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to holistic advocacy for low-income communities, including individual and impact work.
• Ability to identify and respond to emerging trends in federal litigation, consumer law, and related regulatory landscapes.