Pro Bono Manager and Supervising Attorney

OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY

The Pro Bono Manager and Supervising Attorney for San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program works as an integral part of the leadership team.  The Pro Bono Manager and Supervising Attorney will be responsible for supervising staff, recruiting legal volunteers, directing the placement of pro bono cases, developing pro bono recruitment and training materials, supervising the legal work of pro bono attorneys, developing and managing a wide range of pro bono projects, and developing partnership opportunities with law firms and corporate law departments, law schools, bar associations, and the judiciary.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Established in 1983, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. (SDVLP) is the oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services program in San Diego County.  SDVLP’s mission is to provide equal access to the justice system by serving as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers who are willing to donate their time and resources.  Our team of talented and passionate employees is collegial, supportive, and committed to providing top-quality legal services to indigent, vulnerable San Diegans.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

The Pro Bono Manager and Supervising Attorney will be responsible for:

• Coordinating the recruitment, training, mentoring and recognition of volunteers, including attorneys, law students, paralegals, and others.
• Developing, sustaining, and expanding relationships with law firms, corporations, bar associations, and the judiciary, including the design and implementation of pro bono projects.
• Supervising the collection and analysis of volunteer and client data, the development and application of quality control/evaluation tools, and the use of technology to improve the delivery of services.
• Counseling, advising, and supervising professional staff in their effective representation of clients, including drafting of legal documents.
• Initiating and maintaining cooperative working relationships with local, state and national bar associations, other legal services programs, state and federal courts, charitable organizations and governmental agencies, and the legal and corporate communities that support SDVLP programs and services.
• Informing and advising the Chief Executive Officer on relevant issues pertaining to pro bono legal services programs at the local, state, and national levels.
• Assisting in obtaining necessary funding support to provide pro bono services and maintaining and strengthening relationships with funding sources.
• Coordinating SDVLP’s participation in volunteer recruitment and community outreach events.
• Engaging in other tasks and projects as needed to further SDVLP’s mission. 

Work Environment:

• This position is a full-time position requiring the ability to work in SDVLP’s downtown office 5 days per week; minimum 37.50-hour work week. 

Salary & Benefits:

• Salary range is $95,000 – $105,000, DOE.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits; ability to participate in 401(K) with employer contribution.
• Sick, vacation, and holiday pay provided. 
• No billable hours requirement. 

SDVLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

• Must be a member in good standing of the California Bar.
• Must have a minimum of five years as a practicing attorney.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have proven experience in supervising and mentoring attorneys and support staff.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to successfully work as part of a team, and with the public, volunteers, court personnel, government agencies, and partner organizations.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with accuracy and minimal direction.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by events and deadlines.
• Excellent Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income and disadvantaged people.
• Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to project a favorable image of SDVLP in public relations activities, resulting in widespread community support and a positive reputation.