Description:
Position Summary:Florida Legal Services, Inc. (FLS) is seeking a dynamic and committed attorney to join our team as the Pro Bono Coordinator. This role is crucial to expanding and sustaining our statewide pro bono program. The Pro Bono Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer attorneys to handle individual cases across various substantive areas of law. Additionally, the Coordinator will foster relationships with large law firms and other legal organizations to develop long-term, systematic partnerships that enhance our organization's ability to serve clients.
Key Responsibilities:
Recruitment and Engagement:
- Identify and recruit volunteer attorneys from a diverse array of legal backgrounds to handle individual cases.
- Develop and maintain relationships with large law firms, corporations, and other legal entities to encourage their participation in pro bono work.
- Engage with law firms to establish long-term partnerships, such as “adopting” specific projects and committing to a steady stream of cases.
Program Development:
- Work with law firms and attorneys to develop and sustain systematic relationships with specific projects within the FLS.
- Collaborate with law firms on larger law reform or impact litigation cases, including civil rights class actions and other significant legal matters.
- Create and implement strategies to increase the participation of volunteer attorneys across the state.
Support and Mentorship:
- Provide ongoing support, mentorship, and guidance to volunteer attorneys, especially those handling cases in areas of law with which they may have limited experience.
- Coordinate and deliver training sessions, workshops, and resources to ensure volunteers are well-prepared and confident in their roles.
- Act as a resource for volunteers, answering questions, providing legal and procedural guidance, and offering feedback on case strategy and management.
Partnership Development:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with law firms and other potential partners to secure their commitment to supporting our organization's mission through pro bono work.
- Explore opportunities for firms to co-counsel on larger, more complex cases that align with our strategic goals and advocacy efforts.
Program Management:
- Track and report on pro bono activities, including the number of cases handled, volunteer hours contributed, and outcomes achieved.
- Work closely with the FLS leadership to align pro bono efforts with overall strategic objectives.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legal and ethical standards in the management of pro bono cases.
Education and Qualifications:
- Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Licensure: Must be an attorney admitted to practice law in Florida and in good standing with The Florida Bar.
Experience:
- Minimum of 3-5 years of legal experience, preferably in public interest law, pro bono coordination, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience in recruiting, managing, and mentoring attorneys, particularly in a pro bono or volunteer capacity.
- Strong understanding of various substantive areas of law relevant to the FLS' work.
- Experience working with large law firms and coordinating complex litigation is highly desirable.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Passion for public interest law and a commitment to access to justice.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.
- Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the FLS.