Managing Attorney- Volunteer Lawyers Program

Description

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-profit law firm providing free, quality civil legal services to people living with low income/low opportunity, is seeking a full-time Managing Attorney to lead our Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP).

The Managing Attorney will direct the Volunteer Lawyers Program, providing effective administration, oversight, and performance management of the program. The position responsibilities include strategic planning and development of VLP; recruiting and relationship-building with volunteer attorneys, law firms, and pro bono partners; managing client case placements with volunteer attorneys; planning and implementing pro bono clinics and volunteer trainings certified for Missouri Continuing Legal Education credits; promoting pro bono service in LSEM's 21-county service area, particularly in the St. Louis Metropolitan area; measuring program effectiveness and volunteer engagement; and identifying systemic legal issues emerging from client work. The Managing Attorney supervises a paid staff of one staff attorney, one paralegal, and one social worker, and oversees student interns. The Managing Attorney will work under the supervision of LSEM's Deputy Director.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Program Development

• Establish and implement long-range goals, strategies, and policies for the VLP responsive to community legal needs; develop annual pro bono plans with measurable outcomes
• Identify service gaps and leverage pro bono resources to expand LSEM's capacity in priority practice areas
• Promote and implement innovative ways of engaging volunteers, including cloud-based pro bono case placement platforms, remote service opportunities, flexible time commitments, and creative pro bono projects that expand volunteer participation and access to justice

Recruitment & Relationship Management

• Recruit and develop sustained relationships with volunteer attorneys, law firms, in-house legal counsel, corporations, bar associations, law schools, and pro bono partners; maintain regular communication through newsletters, events, and direct outreach
• Serve as ambassador to local and state bar associations and statewide networks; take on leadership roles in pro bono initiatives and coalitions to advance access to justice
• Coordinate pro bono recognition activities and volunteer appreciation events; celebrate volunteer contributions through LSEM events including For The Common Good Awards, and other important functions

Case Management & Client Service

• Oversee case intake, evaluation, assignment, and placement with volunteer attorneys; manage a high volume of cases and ensure appropriate client-volunteer matches
• Communicate regularly with volunteers and clients about case status and progress; serve as liaison and troubleshooter between volunteers and clients
• Provide direct client counsel and brief service representation when pro bono placement is not possible or appropriate
• Conduct regular case reviews and maintain current knowledge of Missouri landlord-tenant law, family law, non-complex estate planning, guardianships, and other substantive areas served by the VLP

Training, Clinics & Program Operations

• Plan and implement volunteer trainings certified for Missouri Continuing Legal Education credits; develop and maintain current legal training materials; coordinate pro bono clinics and legal assistance activities
• Recruit, interview, place, and supervise law student interns; provide mentoring and professional development opportunities
• Ensure VLP compliance with Legal Services Corporation funding regulations and LSEM policies; maintain effective use of the Legal Server case management system

Evaluation & Systemic Advocacy

• Collect and analyze data on program performance, including volunteer recruitment and retention, case outcomes, volunteer and client satisfaction, and pro bono hours contributed; prepare reports to evaluate and improve the VLP
• Identify systemic legal issues and gaps in access to justice emerging from VLP casework; collaborate with LSEM's Director of Advocacy and other program staff to develop policy recommendations and responses
• Work collaboratively with other LSEM programs to leverage pro bono resources, share best practices, and strengthen organizational capacity in serving low-income clients

Supervision & Staff Development

• Supervise VLP staff, including one staff attorney, one paralegal, and one social worker; provide performance management, guidance, and professional development opportunities
• Maintain cultural competency in working with low-income clients experiencing crises and/or trauma; model trauma-informed practice and emotional intelligence

Requirements

• JD in good standing and admitted to practice in Missouri (or eligible to be admitted)
• Substantial professional experience with litigation and the legal profession; five or more years' experience in a professional legal environment such as a law firm, nonprofit, or government setting is preferred
• Prior work as a legal pro bono coordinator is a plus
• Demonstrated inclusive leadership and supervisory skills; experience managing attorneys, staff, and/or volunteers in a team environment
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law work and serving low-income clients
• Strong strategic thinking and program development skills; ability to establish goals, evaluate performance, and implement improvements
• Exceptional legal, organizational, problem-solving, and multi-tasking skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to articulate messages to diverse audiences
• Detail-oriented with strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, volunteers, and community partners across lines of difference
• Emotional maturity and stress management skills necessary to serve clients experiencing crises and/or trauma; ability to model self-care and wellness
• Self-starter with excellent recruitment, training, and public speaking abilities
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and familiarity with legal case management software; openness to learning new technologies and systems for volunteer engagement
• Transportation required for appointments and clinic visits regularly held outside of the office
• Open to creative and innovative ways of fulfilling the legal aid mission

What we do
LSEM advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services. We partner with the community to improve lives, promote fairness, and create opportunities for those in need. Since 1956, LSEM has provided high-quality civil legal assistance and equal access to justice for low-income people in 21 counties in Missouri. We accomplish our mission through systemic advocacy/impact litigation and individual case work in a wide range of substantive civil areas which are in our priorities, e.g., family law for victims of domestic violence, prevention of homelessness/housing, health, public benefits, consumer, education, disability, community economic development, and immigration. As part of our community education/outreach efforts, LSEM works with over 150 agencies and participates in over 35 task forces/coalitions. LSEM also has a vibrant Volunteer Lawyers Program.

Who we are

At Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, we embrace a culture that celebrates and promotes the many backgrounds, heritages, and perspectives of our colleagues and clients. We seek to hire individuals from a variety of backgrounds, who are professional, collaborative, and creative thinkers with a passion for our mission, and create an environment where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will make employment decisions based on merit.

How to Apply
Upload your resume and cover letter through our online application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Salary & Benefits Information
The starting salary for this position is $80,700. The specific salary offered will be determined by years of relevant experience. Excellent benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, a generous time off policy (starting at 4 weeks per year), 11 paid holidays, 12 weeks paid parental leave, 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plans, long-term disability and life insurance, and an employee assistance plan. An in-person/remote hybrid work option is also available.

Submission Deadline

Applications will be considered until position is filled.

Equal access to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s office is available. Those applicants requiring accommodation to the interview/application process should contact Human Resources at the e-mail View email address on aiapply.co. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.