Director of Pro Bono & Social Impact

Hanson Bridgett LLP is seeking a Director of Pro Bono & Social Impact to lead and expand the firm's commitment to access to justice and community service. This senior leadership role is for a practitioner who wants to do meaningful work at scale—building and running a pro bono program that is strategic, well‑resourced, and deeply integrated into the firm’s identity. The Director will serve as the firm’s primary architect and champion of pro bono and social impact, working closely with firm leadership, practice groups, and community partners to define and deliver on the firm’s obligations to the communities it serves. The role offers the opportunity to work from a remote location on days when in‑person attendance is not required, with in‑person meetings, professional development sessions, departmental meetings or other office reasons as needed. The Director must reside in California and will be assigned to one of Hanson Bridgett’s office locations. Key Duties and Responsibilities Pro Bono Develop a strategic plan to increase participation rates of firm attorneys and professional staff in pro bono and community service, and to raise the visibility and stature of the firm’s pro bono, social impact, and community service work. Lead the firm’s Pro Bono Committee to evaluate existing pro bono relationships, identify growth opportunities, maintain partner relationships, staff matters, plan events, evaluate umbrella partnerships, and prepare periodic reports to firm management. In coordination with the CDEIO, source, evaluate, obtain, and staff mission‑aligned, high‑profile pro bono matters, including impact litigation and lobbying or policy initiatives. Maintain firm policy documents related to pro bono work. Manage firm partnerships with legal services organizations as sources of pro bono matter referrals. Evaluate individual pro bono requests for capacity and alignment with program guidelines. Coordinate with firm stakeholder groups (e.g., Sections, Markets, Committees) to develop tailored pro bono opportunities, including for the First‑Year Associate Program and summer associates. Associate Program On a limited and as-needed basis, supervise conflict checks and risk management protocols for new pro bono matters. On a limited and as-needed basis, supervise associates, senior counsel, and law students on pro bono work, and coordinate supervision with a firm partner, stepping in directly on specific matters (e.g., court appearances, hearings, filings, client meetings) when necessary. Maintain membership and leadership position(s) in professional associations related to pro bono practice, and pursue continued professional development. Attend conferences focused on pro bono practice to stay informed on legal developments and identify new opportunities for expanding the firm’s pro bono work. Develop and maintain a repository of substantive pro bono practice resources. Provide orientation to the firm’s pro bono program to new hires. Track pro bono matter hours and metrics for internal and external reporting. Coordinate with the Director of Professional Development to provide continuing legal education opportunities in areas relevant to the firm’s pro bono work. Coordinate with the Marketing Department to promote the firm’s pro bono work internally and externally through articles, interviews, social media posts, panel presentations, speaking engagements, and award applications. Coordinate with the Finance Committee and Accounting Department to accurately budget pro bono work and manage the annual pro bono budget. Non‑legal Volunteer / Community Service Develop quarterly non‑legal volunteer opportunities in each market. Assist attorneys with developing volunteer opportunities in partnership with firm clients. Maintain resources for attorneys to find additional community service opportunities throughout the year. Required Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications J.D. degree and active admission to the State Bar of California. Five or more years in legal practice, including at least three years of litigation experience. Experience acting in a primary leadership role on legal matters, including supervising other attorneys. Experience working with organizations involved in social impact and public interest legal work. Demonstrated commitment to pro bono legal practice and community service. Strong track record of organizational leadership and promotion. Strong and persuasive oral and written communication skills, with experience in multiple communication modes. Excellent listening and facilitation skills. Demonstrated cultural awareness and agility; ability to build trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to work both independently and with teams. Ability to build strong and effective relationships with firm attorneys, staff, and external stakeholders. Strong project management and analytical skills, including experience preparing and managing project budgets. Eagerness to expand legal knowledge base into new areas of substantive law. Compensation The salary range for this position is $185,000 – $250,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Hanson Bridgett offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with firm contribution (profit sharing), paid time off, and support for continuing legal education and professional development. #J-18808-Ljbffr Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Silicon Valley Chapter