Managing Attorney- Volunteer Lawyers Program

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.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Program Development

• 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

Recruitment & Relationship Management

• 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

Case Management & Client Service

• 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

Training, Clinics & Program Operations

• 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

Evaluation & Systemic Advocacy

• 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

Supervision & Staff Development

• 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