Description:
Three Rivers Legal Services (TRLS) has an immediate opening for a Litigation Director. Candidate can choose to work out of any TRLS office. The Litigation Director will provide general supervision of systemic litigation in state, federal, and appellate courts, and administrative proceedings, as well as general support, mentoring and supervision of litigation conducted by newer and less experienced advocates. The Litigation Director will also be responsible for ensuring a strategic focus on program litigation and advocacy, and will provide technical assistance, co-counseling, and appropriate training. The position will provide strategic support for litigation and systemic advocacy and emerging legal advocacy issues. Additionally, a successful candidate will support, teach and model effective trial advocacy skills and promote professional development and training opportunities. A desire to represent the needs of low-income clients and underserved populations is essential. TRLS is a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal assistance to low-income clients, the elderly and underserved populations. TRLS is dedicated to the provision of quality legal assistance and to community empowerment through preventive legal education and outreach.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develops and implements strategic planning for litigation and appeals.
- Reviews all significant pleadings, including complaints, briefs on substantive issues, and appellate briefs.
- Mentors and co-counsels with advocates where appropriate.
- Attends significant court appearances, depositions, and settlement conferences, with both advocates engaged in complex litigation and with less experienced advocates.
- Supervises litigation costs.
- Ensures compliance with LSC regulation and requirements concerning litigation, including but not limited to requirements for appeal approvals, preparation of pre-litigation fact statements, etc.
- Prepares and coordinates amicus briefs.
- Prepares semi-annual litigation docket update.
- Coordinates the litigation of TRLS with the litigation of other legal services programs in Florida and elsewhere by attending statewide task force meetings, consulting with litigation directors for other programs, and disseminating information to appropriate advocates.
- Provides information on changes in procedural and substantive law by reading legal periodicals and articles and disseminating information to advocates.
- Participates in the overall strategic planning, needs assessment, grant compliance efforts, and legal management of program advocates.
- Serves as a member of the management team to develop and implement program work plans, policies, and goals.
- Develops, in coordination with the Executive Director, a comprehensive annual report for the Board of Directors.
- Attends meetings of the Board of Directors of TRLS.
- Maintains a limited caseload of service and impact work.
- Participates in interviewing and hiring of new attorneys in the program, as requested.
- Participates with Project Managers in evaluating advocate performance.
- Participates in recommending corrective actions when necessary and disciplinary actions and/or termination when appropriate.
- Collaborate with Executive Director to develop, maintain, and promote sound relationships with community and governmental agencies, client groups, and bar associations.
- Represent TRLS at meetings and external functions.
Qualifications:
- Attorney in good standing with the Florida Bar or willingness to become licensed within two (2) years of employment.
- Have at least six (6) years' experience in trial practice. Candidates with ten (10 years or more of experience will be preferred.
- Considerable experience with coaching, training, and mentoring of legal staff.
- Ability to work long hours when necessary.
- Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
- Excellent oral, written, negotiation, legal research, and analytical skills.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and G-Suite.
- Demonstrated interest in public interest law and commitment to justice for low-income persons.
- Access to automobile during working hours, insured and licensed to drive.
- Paid time off including 20 vacation days, 12 sick days, 12 office holidays, and 3 personal holidays.
- Health insurance, FSA Health and Dependent Care, short term disability, and employee assistance plan.
- Employer paid $50,000 life insurance policy with option for employees to purchase additional coverage.
- 403(b) retirement plan with 5% employer contribution after 2 years of service.
- Voluntary options of vision, dental, and long-term disability.
- Continuing legal education and paid membership in the Florida Bar and a local bar association.
- Minimum 35-hour work week. Office closes to the public at noon on Fridays.
- Flexible work schedule with remote options available after completion of 6-month introductory period.
TRLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how their unique background and/or experiences might contribute to their enhanced ability to serve the low-income residents of North Florida.
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status.