Managing Attorney- Volunteer Lawyers Program

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri•St. Louis, MO

23h•$93,600 - $121,100•Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal services to people with low income or low opportunity, seeks a full-time Managing Attorney to lead its Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP). The Managing Attorney directs program administration, oversight, and performance management, and works under the supervision of LSEM’s Deputy Director. The role supervises one staff attorney, one paralegal, and one social worker, and oversees student interns. The position develops VLP strategy and pro bono services; recruits and builds relationships with volunteer attorneys, law firms, and community partners; oversees intake and case placements; and plans clinics and volunteer trainings eligible for Missouri Continuing Legal Education credits. It promotes pro bono service across LSEM’s 21-county service area, especially the St. Louis metropolitan area, evaluates program effectiveness and volunteer engagement, and identifies systemic legal issues arising from client work. The Managing Attorney may also provide direct client counsel and brief-service representation when volunteer placement is not possible or appropriate. The successful candidate will have a JD in good standing and be admitted to practice in Missouri or eligible for admission, along with at least five years of legal practice experience, including litigation. The position requires a commitment to public interest law and serving low-income clients, strategic and program-development capabilities, leadership and supervisory skills, and strong legal, organizational, communication, recruitment, training, and public-speaking skills. Regular transportation is required for appointments and clinic visits outside the office. The salary range is $93,600–$121,100, with the specific offer based on relevant experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off starting at four weeks per year; 11 paid holidays; 12 weeks of 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 available.

Requirements

JD in good standing and admitted to practice in Missouri, or eligible to be admitted.
At least five years of experience practicing law, including litigation experience, in a law firm, nonprofit organization, government setting, or similar legal environment.
Demonstrated inclusive leadership and supervisory skills, including experience managing attorneys, staff, and/or volunteers in a team environment.
Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and serving low-income clients.
Strong strategic thinking and program-development skills, including the ability to establish goals, evaluate performance, and implement improvements.
Exceptional legal, organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with diverse audiences.
Detail-oriented, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across lines of difference.
Self-starter with recruitment, training, and public-speaking abilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with legal case management software; openness to learning new technologies and volunteer-engagement systems.
Transportation required for appointments and clinic visits regularly held outside the office.
Ability to maintain cultural competency and model trauma-informed practice and emotional intelligence.

Nice To Haves

Prior work as a legal pro bono coordinator.

Responsibilities

Establish and implement long-range VLP goals, strategies, and policies responsive to community legal needs, and develop annual pro bono plans with measurable outcomes.
Identify service gaps and use pro bono resources to expand LSEM’s capacity in priority practice areas.
Develop innovative volunteer engagement approaches, including cloud-based case placement, remote service, flexible commitments, and creative pro bono projects.
Recruit and maintain relationships with volunteer attorneys, law firms, in-house legal counsel, corporations, bar associations, law schools, and pro bono partners.
Communicate regularly with volunteers and partners through outreach, newsletters, and events; represent LSEM in bar associations, statewide networks, coalitions, and pro bono initiatives.
Coordinate volunteer recognition and appreciation activities, including LSEM events and the For The Common Good Awards.
Oversee case intake, evaluation, assignment, and placement with volunteer attorneys, ensuring appropriate client-volunteer matches and managing a high volume of cases.
Communicate with volunteers and clients about case progress and serve as a liaison and troubleshooter.
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 legal areas served by the VLP, including Missouri landlord-tenant law, family law, non-complex estate planning, and guardianships.
Plan and implement volunteer trainings eligible for Missouri Continuing Legal Education credits; develop and maintain legal training materials; and coordinate pro bono clinics and legal assistance activities.
Recruit, interview, place, and supervise law student interns, providing mentoring and professional development.
Ensure VLP compliance with Legal Services Corporation funding regulations and LSEM policies, and maintain effective use of the Legal Server case management system.
Collect and analyze program performance data, including recruitment and retention, case outcomes, satisfaction, and pro bono hours; prepare reports to evaluate and improve the VLP.
Identify systemic legal issues and access-to-justice gaps arising from VLP casework, and collaborate on policy recommendations and responses.
Collaborate with other LSEM programs to share best practices, leverage pro bono resources, and strengthen service capacity.
Supervise the VLP staff attorney, paralegal, and social worker, providing performance management, guidance, and professional development.
Model trauma-informed practice and emotional intelligence when working with low-income clients experiencing crises or trauma.