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Please check back soon for more positions available at The Legal Project.  For more information, or to apply for a position with our organization, please contact The Legal Project at (518) 435-1770.

 The Legal Project Overview:

The Legal Project believes that all people, regardless of income, gender, disability, race, religion, age, sexual orientation or ethnicity should have access to legal services. This belief reflects a deep commitment to fairness and equal justice under the law.

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Position Available - Legal Director

(Exempt Position)

TITLE:                       Legal Director

REPORTS TO:         Executive Director

OBJECTIVE:             To ensure that all The Legal Project’s programs provide the highest quality legal services, meet the highest ethical standards and are in compliance with the relevant statutes, rules, and professional codes of conduct.   

Description and Responsibilities:

The Legal Project is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in Albany, NY, that has grown from a small pro bono volunteer program in 1995 into an innovative staff-based and pro bono program that leverages community resources and experience in providing free and low cost civil legal services to domestic violence victims and the working poor.  Our many programs include family court and divorce representation in domestic violence cases; legal advocacy and assistance to college students who are victims of sexual assault or interpersonal violence; immigration services; foreclosure prevention; wills and end of life planning; bankruptcy; veteran’s legal clinics; small business legal assistance; and community legal clinics on general civil legal issues.  The Legal Project also provides community education and professional training.  The Legal Project believes that all people, regardless of income, gender, disability, race, religion, age, sexual orientation or ethnicity should have access to legal services. This belief reflects a deep commitment to fairness and equal justice under the law. Based upon these beliefs, the mission of The Legal Project is to make the law more accessible to those in need, to increase the legal community's involvement in pro bono work; and to serve as a resource on legal issues. We feel a special commitment to women and others who may have difficulty in obtaining legal assistance.

The Legal Project is currently seeking a Legal Director who would oversee the legal attorneys and legal advocates in all of our programs.  S/he is responsible for the overall supervision and management of the overall legal program, internal and external policy development and implementation and developing relationships with community partners, and is a member of the agency Leadership Team.

Responsibilities:

•   Oversee Supervising Attorneys and overall quality control for the legal program.

•   Ensure adherence to best practices and highest ethical standards for all attorneys.

•   As a member of the Leadership Team, work closely with Executive Director and Associate Executive Director on all agency matters, including operations, policies, budget, resource development, reporting, and external affairs.

• With Director of Pro Bono Services, develop and enhance relationships with corporate and pro bono partners, maintain mentoring program for pro bono panel attorneys, and provide mentoring as needed.

•    Advise on agency legal matters.

•    Provide advice and input into legislation and statewide policy matters.

•    Represent The Legal Project at events, speaking engagements, trainings, etc. (limited evenings, weekends and travel required).

•     Develop, conduct, and attend relevant trainings; ensure legal staff participate in trainings as needed.

Qualifications:

•     J.D. Law Degree with admission to New York State Bar

•     Minimum of five years of legal management experience

•     Prior experience in supervision of volunteers and commitment to pro bono highly desirable. 

•     Experience managing a law practice – including billing, trust account management, case management, ethics and quality assurance.

•     Experience representing victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking, immigrants/refugees, and/or other vulnerable or disenfranchised populations preferred

•     Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills

•     Strong written and oral communication skills

•     Strong computer skills, including spreadsheet and database programs

•     Team player working collaboratively and as a liaison between the attorney and non-attorney staff

•     Strong project management and coordination skills, including ability to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines, including grant management and budgets;

•     Must have excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, and have a good sense of humor.

• Bilingual preferred

The Legal Project’s policy prohibits discrimination due to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and national origin in employment and delivery of services. 

Application Instructions:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample email to Jessica Lennon at jlennon@legalproject.org.  Please indicate in the subject line “Legal Director Position.”

Applications should be submitted by June 21, 2019