Security Sensitive Position?: Yes
Hours of Work: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM M-F
Posting Number: TSU203506
Official TSU Title: Legal Services Director
Grant Title: n/a
Job Description Summary / TWC Summary: JOB SUMMARY:The Earl Carl Institute at Texas Southern Universitys Thurgood Marshall School of Law seeks a creative and highly experienced Legal Services Director who will work with the Executive Director and lead senior staff to shape and guide the programs delivery of high-quality legal services to traditionally disenfranchised and underserved communities. POSITION OVERVIEW: The Legal Services Director provides leadership to ensure that The Earl Carl Institute achieves Its overall mission to provide legal assistance to BIPOC and other traditionally disenfranchised populations. The Legal Director Is responsible for facilitating quality delivery of legal services. The Legal Services Director leads, manages, and supports legal personnel consisting of advocacy directors and managing attorneys who provide direct client representation and serve as lead counsel or co-counsel in major litigation, including class action lawsuits. The Legal Services Director also provides public policy analysis and testimony. The Legal Services Director ensures grant compliance. The Legal Services Director works closely with and reports to the Executive Director to lead strategic planning to ensure that the program Is addressing the most significant barriers. Also, while working with the Executive Director, this position focuses on establishing, and Implementing the programmatic vision for the organizations legal work, recognizing the various and Inter-related tools that a quality, impactful legal nonprofit must employ for meaningful community engagement, client counseling, litigation, permissible policy advocacy, and strategic use of media.
Essential Duties Summary: Leadership Responsobilities: Day-to-day leadership and oversight of ECls legal work and legal team members
Participates In regular case reviews with all attorneys
Conducts annual Job performance reviews and assists with the development of professional development plans with team members
Oversees orientation and training of new team members
Updates client services manual and oversees the efficiencies and effectiveness of the ECI Case Management System and case handling procedures.
Reviews and responds to complaints regarding Intake and case services
Oversees the TMSL Student Pro Bono Program and Public Interest Certification
Reviews timesheets and expense reports of legal team members.
Community Involvement and Systemic Advocacy: Organize, design and lead CLE training sessions on various subject matters of law that ECI currently works on
Participates In local, state, and national councils, boards, committees, etc. to address Identified program Issues and concerns
Cultivates and maintains collaborative working relationships with other agencies and organizations working on similar projects
Work collaboratively with funders and other partner organizations being funded by the same funders as ECI
Serve on various external committees and task forces relevant to legal services
Participates In projects that address systemic Issues which fall under program areas of work
Provides public policy analysis and testimony as needed and provides education to applicable state departments, the state legislature and other entitles Involved with individuals that have been traditionally marginalized or underserved
Collaborates with the Community Engagement team as needed to develop content for newsletter articles, social media, annual report, and other publications as well as live and recorded video and audio content
Oversees special projects such as Community Legal Advocate Program and HALO Initiative
Performs related tasks consistent with skills and abilities and general responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director.
% FTE: 1.0
Hiring Range: $87,339.81-$111,358.25
Education: Required:
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school or other law school approved by TexasSupreme Court
Required Licensing/Certification: Licensed to practice law In Texas
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of: Poverty law policies, procedures, and practices
Management and supervisory practices
Legal Case management systems and other Job-related software systems
Supervisory techniques
Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications
Skill In: Oral and written communication competency with attention to detail
Problem-solving and decision-making
Outstanding leadership skills
Multitasking and time management
Coordinating work of others
Planning activities
All aspects of legal representation and client relations
Understanding of human resource management and evaluation
Analyzing documents
Leading project.
Both verbal and written communication
Ability to: Work Independently
Facilitate communication within teams and participate effectively as a member In teams
Use Job-related software and systems
Easily Integrate new technology Into work environment
Use Job-related such as Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, document assembly programs or similar
Demonstrate a commitment to the mission of ECI and Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Work Experience: Required: Strong preference for applicants who have practiced law at a legal services program or nonprofit for 7 or more years
A minimum 5 years of management experience
Computer proficiency (Word, Acrobat, Excel, etc,) and knowledge of and/or commitment to learn the Legal Server software used by many legal service providers In Texas as a client, clinic, and volunteer database for handling flies, coordinating clinics and running reports
Working/Environmental Conditions: Routine office environment.
Sitting or standing in one location much of the time.
Some stooping, lifting or carrying objects fight weight may be required.
UA EEO Statement: It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Manual of Administrative Policies and Procedures
Open Until Filled (overrides close field) : Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants: Open to all applicants.