Pro Bono Counsel

Morrison & Foerster, LLP•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At MoFo, we couldn’t write our own success story without yours. Ready to write your story? Join MoFo as PRO BONO COUNSEL on our Pro Bono team! This role can be based in New York or Washington, D.C. ABOUT THE ROLE In this role, you'll inspire partner and associate engagement in pro bono work, cultivate relationships with legal services and public interest organizations, and represent the firm in regional and national pro bono initiatives. You'll shape program policy, counsel lawyers on their pro bono matters, and partner with commercial clients to launch joint pro bono projects. Working alongside a dedicated pro bono team, you'll help advance the firm's commitment to service while ensuring excellence and client satisfaction across every aspect of the program. Leads pro bono program strategy and attorney/associate engagement across the designated region, working with firm leadership to meet and exceed participation goals. Current region includes East Coast and some Asia offices. Oversees all administrative aspects of the regional pro bono program, including request approvals, conflicts resolution, and risk management. Partners with legal service organizations and community groups to identify and develop pro bono opportunities aligned with attorney interests and community needs. Matches attorneys with appropriate pro bono matters, ensuring proper supervision and coordinating clinical programs and client-partnered pro bono projects. Serves as a go-to resource for attorneys on pro bono matters, including engagement letters, fee petitions, and reimbursement processes. Provides subject-matter guidance and identifies specialist attorneys to support pro bono practice areas firmwide. Designs and delivers training programs to build attorney expertise across pro bono practice specialties. Supports internal and external marketing efforts, including newsletters, award submissions, and recognition programs. Builds and maintains relationships with bar associations, nonprofits, and the broader public interest legal community. Represents the firm at national and international pro bono conferences and collaborative initiatives.

Requirements

JD required, with at least five years of experience as a practicing attorney at a top-tier law firm, government agency, or public interest legal organization.
Current bar license in at least one jurisdiction within the region.
Strong networking and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively across diverse groups inside and outside the firm.
Excellent judgment, organizational savvy, and strong writing and communication skills.
Ability to analyze needs, set priorities, and make sound decisions based on business objectives and anticipated outcomes.
Proven ability to manage competing deadlines under pressure and build consensus in a collaborative environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in poverty law, constitutional or civil rights, reproductive rights, social entrepreneurship, and/or nonprofit law preferred.
Established relationships with legal aid, not-for-profit, and community organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

Leads pro bono program strategy and attorney/associate engagement across the designated region, working with firm leadership to meet and exceed participation goals. Current region includes East Coast and some Asia offices.
Oversees all administrative aspects of the regional pro bono program, including request approvals, conflicts resolution, and risk management.
Partners with legal service organizations and community groups to identify and develop pro bono opportunities aligned with attorney interests and community needs.
Matches attorneys with appropriate pro bono matters, ensuring proper supervision and coordinating clinical programs and client-partnered pro bono projects.
Serves as a go-to resource for attorneys on pro bono matters, including engagement letters, fee petitions, and reimbursement processes.
Provides subject-matter guidance and identifies specialist attorneys to support pro bono practice areas firmwide.
Designs and delivers training programs to build attorney expertise across pro bono practice specialties.
Supports internal and external marketing efforts, including newsletters, award submissions, and recognition programs.
Builds and maintains relationships with bar associations, nonprofits, and the broader public interest legal community.
Represents the firm at national and international pro bono conferences and collaborative initiatives.

Benefits

A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
Education reimbursement annually.
Dedicated Talent Development team.
Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.
Discretionary bonus
Overtime as applicable
Health/welfare benefits
Retirement contributions
Paid holidays
PTO