Director of Advocacy

Montana Legal Services Association•Helena, MT

About The Position

The Director of Advocacy works collaboratively to develop and support MLSA’s advocacy efforts. The role supervises staff attorneys and other advocacy professionals, builds training opportunities, co-counsels with staff when appropriate, and provides ongoing oversight of advocacy staff. The Director collaborates with MLSA’s Executive Director, Deputy Director, and fund development and operations staff to support the organization’s operations. As a member of MLSA’s Management Team, the Director shares responsibility for organizational leadership, policies and procedures, the annual operating budget, fund development related to the advocacy team or program needs, technology planning for client services, and recommendations regarding personnel issues. The Director also oversees litigation strategy and appeals, supports pro bono work, and may handle a small client caseload as necessary.

Requirements

At least ten years of experience in the civil practice of law, including complex litigation at the state and federal levels.
Excellent communication and motivation skills, and proven ability to work with a diverse group of people with varying lived experience, perspectives, and expertise.
Understanding of the experiences and needs of low-income people.
Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive advocacy on access-to-justice issues for low-income people.
Strong ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, the public, judges, court personnel, and the bar.
Ability and willingness to work cooperatively and collegially within a statewide law firm.
Ability to learn and use MLSA technology systems, including its case management system, Lexis, Microsoft Suite, and other supportive applications.
Ability to travel within and outside Montana, including regular overnight travel when required for staff supervision or other programmatic purposes.
Already licensed, or eligible to become licensed, to practice law in Montana; eligibility requires a minimum of five years of recent bar admission in another state.
Knowledge of substantive legal areas affecting low-income people.

Nice To Haves

Substantial experience in poverty law issues.
Substantial experience and success as a supportive supervisor.
Basic understanding of the operations of a legal services program.

Responsibilities

Supervise and support staff, including lawyers and other advocacy professionals.
Assist with complex cases and problems through direct involvement in supervisees’ work and by engaging experienced lawyers to support MLSA’s work; develop attorneys’ capacity to mentor newer staff.
Encourage and coordinate program-wide collaboration on legal issues and leadership of broad-based advocacy initiatives.
Coordinate and provide professional development support and training, including leadership development activities for attorneys and advocacy staff.
Ensure service delivery aligns with MLSA’s grant requirements and mission.
Conduct informal check-ins and formal reviews with supervisees, and communicate and enforce MLSA policies.
Participate in recruitment, hiring, and retention efforts.
Support MLSA’s pro bono program, including mentoring pro bono attorneys.
Handle a small caseload of clients as necessary.
Oversee litigation strategy and support, including procedural and jurisdictional issues, and approve litigation expenses.
Review requests to pursue appeals, approve or deny them, and provide litigation support for pursued appeals.
Consult with staff regarding conflicts of interest and professional responsibility and ethics matters.
Collaborate in MLSA’s leadership as a member of the Management Team with the Deputy Director, Director of Finance & Administration, and Executive Director.
Assist in developing and implementing MLSA policies and procedures.
Assist in developing and overseeing MLSA’s annual operating budget.
Participate in fund development related to the advocacy team or program needs.
Plan with the Executive Director how technology is used to support client services.
As part of the Management Team, investigate personnel issues and make recommendations regarding their resolution.