Managing Attorney- Volunteer Lawyers Program

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri Inc•St. Louis, MO

6d•$93,600 - $121,100•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

JD in good standing and admitted to practice in Missouri (or eligible to be admitted)
A minimum of five years of experience practicing law, including litigation experience, in a law firm, nonprofit organization, government setting, or similar legal environment is required
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
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

Nice To Haves

Prior work as a legal pro bono coordinator is a plus

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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
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
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