Description:

Hanson Bridgett LLP is seeking a Director of Pro Bono & Social Impact to lead and expand the firm's commitment to access to justice and community service. This is a senior leadership role for a practitioner who wants to do meaningful work at scale — building and running a pro bono program that is strategic, well-resourced, and deeply integrated into the firm's identity.

The Director will serve as the firm's primary architect and champion of pro bono and social impact, working closely with firm leadership, practice groups, and community partners to define and deliver on the firm's obligations to the communities it serves.

This role offers the opportunity to work from a remote location on days when in-person attendance is not required. In-person attendance may frequently be required for various programming and events, both at Firm offices and in external locations. Occasional travel to other Hanson Bridgett office locations, as well as throughout the country for professional conferences and events, may be required. All Firm employees who are designated as hybrid are expected to be available to attend in-person meetings, professional development sessions, departmental meetings, or to come to the office for other reasons, if the need arises. This position requires that the individual reside in California, and will have an assignment to one of Hanson Bridgett's Office locations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Pro Bono

Develop a strategic plan for (a) increasing the participation rate of Firm attorneys in pro bono and social impact work, and average number of attorney pro bono hours worked; (b) increasing the participation rate of Firm professional staff in community service and volunteer work, and average number of staff volunteer hours worked; and (c) increasing the visibility and stature of the Firm's pro bono, social impact, and community service work.
Lead the Firm's Pro Bono Committee to (a) evaluate existing pro bono relationships and identify areas for potential growth; (b) maintain existing pro bono partner relationships; (c) address staffing needs for pro bono matters; (d) plan Firm events to support and promote the pro bono program; (e) evaluate and approve other pro bono umbrella partnerships; and (f) prepare periodic reports to Firm Management
In coordination with the CDEIO, source, evaluate, obtain, and staff mission-aligned, high-profile pro bono matters, including impact litigation and lobbying or policy initiatives
Maintain Firm policy documents related to pro bono work
Manage Firm partnerships with legal services organizations as sources of pro bono matter referrals
Evaluate "one-off" pro bono requests for capacity and alignment with program guidelines
Coordinate with various firm stakeholder groups (e.g., Sections, Markets, Committees, etc.) to develop tailored pro bono opportunities, and pro bono opportunities for First-Year Associate Program and Summer

Associate Program

On a limited and as needed basis, supervise conflict checks and other risk management protocols for new pro bono matters
On a limited and as needed basis, supervise associates, senior counsel, and law students on pro bono work and/or coordinate supervision with a Firm partner involved in the work, including stepping in directly on specific matters where necessary (e.g., for court appearances, hearings, filings, client meetings, etc.)
Maintain membership and leadership position(s) in professional associations related to pro bono practice or strategic external relationships; participate in continued professional self-development related to pro bono practice
Attend conferences focused on pro bono practice to stay informed on relevant legal developments and identify new opportunities for expanding the Firm's pro bono work
Develop and maintain a repository of substantive pro bono practice resources
Provide orientation to the Firm's pro bono program to new hires
Track pro bono matter hours and metrics for internal and external reporting
Coordinate with the Director of Professional Development to provide continuing legal education opportunities in areas relevant to the Firm's pro bono work
Coordinate with the Marketing Department to promote the Firm's pro bono work internally and externally, through articles, interviews, social media posts, panel presentations, speaking engagements, and award applications
Coordinate with the Finance Committee and Accounting Department to accurately budget pro bono work and manage the annual pro bono budget

Non-legal Volunteer / Community Service

Develop quarterly non-legal volunteer opportunities in each Market
Assist attorneys with development of volunteer opportunities in partnership with Firm clients
Maintain resources for attorneys to find additional community service opportunities throughout the year

Required Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications

J.D. degree and active admission to State Bar of California required
Five or more years in legal practice, including at least three years' litigation experience
Experience acting in a primary leadership role on legal matters, including supervising other attorneys
Experience working with organizations involved in social impact and public interest legal work
Demonstrated commitment to pro bono legal practice and community service
Strong track record of organizational leadership and promotion
Strong and persuasive oral and written communication skills, with experience in multiple communication modes
Excellent listening and facilitation skills
Demonstrated cultural awareness and agility; ability to build trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to work both independently and with teams
Ability to build strong and effective relationships with Firm attorneys, staff, and external stakeholders
Strong project management and analytical skills, including experience preparing and managing project budgets
Eagerness to expand legal knowledge base into new areas of substantive law

Compensation:
The salary range for this position is $185,000 – $250,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Hanson Bridgett offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with firm contribution (profit sharing), paid time off, and support for continuing legal education and professional development.