Managing Attorney - Economic Justice
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland See More Job Openings by This Employer
Job Description
Job Summary: The Managing Attorney of Economic Justice provides high quality legal services to low-income people throughout the service area. The Managing Attorney ensures the provision of high quality legal assistance within their practice group and works with the management team to ensure overall organization quality and effectiveness.
Essential Functions:
Client Representation & Advocacy:
Essential Functions:
Client Representation & Advocacy:
- Provide and ensure high quality legal representation to individuals and groups in accordance with Legal Aid Standards of Practice and Supervision and the Rules of Professional Conduct. This includes interviewing clients, conducting research, factual investigation, preparing pleadings, negotiating case resolutions, discovery and motion practice and representing clients in court and administrative hearings.
- Provide counseling, advice and other brief services and referrals, as appropriate.
- Co-counsel with other attorneys and work with paralegals.
- Represent clients and client groups in litigation, administrative advocacy and other advocacy forums.
- Engage in and supervise appellate work, complex and major litigation and other special projects.
- Develop, implement and supervise litigation and/or advocacy strategies to address systemic legal problems.
- Analyze and comment on pending legislation and regulations consistent with the requirements of all funding sources.
Leadership:
- Build a team within the practice group and build teams within the larger organization and among practice groups.
- Motivate staff to meet Legal Aid’s mission and goals.
- Develop practice group goals and work plan to achieve those goals.
- Train (formal and informal) staff attorneys and other staff.
- Present at trainings for legal services, other advocates, or the community, or write a training manual, published article, book, or community education materials.
- Apply knowledge of poverty law issues, strategies and solutions to engage in and supervise systemic advocacy.
- Take a leadership role in a task force, advocacy group, community-based organization, or bar association.
- Keep program staff apprised of new developments within the substantive legal areas in which the attorney practices (updates via written communication and/or training).
- Engage in local, state, regional and/or national legal services and advocacy community.
- Read professional materials and other communications are related to job responsibilities.
- Serve on Legal Aid committee(s).
- Develop and maintain a productive work environment and handle general administrative issues, such as providing input to the budget process, taking reasonable actions to achieve compliance with the LSC regulations and requirements.
- Communicate with staff and other offices/ units and foster good working relationships.
Community Work:
- Participate in and supervise other activities related to poverty law including community education and outreach, writing of publishable materials, and permissible legislative and administrative advocacy in accordance with Legal Aid policy and applicable laws and regulations.
- Participate in Legal Aid and state-wide task forces and work groups.
- Participate in bar activities and establish effective working relationships with the bar.
- Ensure the practice group and organization develop and maintain relationships with partner organizations, including other non-profits, grass roots organizations, government agencies and elected officials.
Pro Bono:
- Ensure that volunteer attorneys receive training and support.
- Identify opportunities for involvement of volunteer attorneys.
Intake and Advice:
- Ensure intake policies and procedures identify appropriate legal issues.
- Ensure clients receive high quality and effective advice.
Development and Communications:
- Identify opportunities for resources development.
- Assist with grant proposals, reports and other resource development.
- Identify opportunities for working with the media and engaging in other communications.
- Assist with and actively participate in communications and media relations.
Other:
- Comply with LSC, OLAF and other funding agencies’ rules and regulations.
- Participate in training activities as trainee or trainer for professional growth as well as required CLE credits.
- Report to Legal Aid management any bar association grievances, disciplinary proceedings or malpractice claims involving his/her practice and cooperate with Legal Aid’s liability insurers.
- Attend Legal Aid meetings; ensure group meetings are effective.
- Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise the practice group’s staff and volunteers. Management/supervision responsibilities include:
- Monitor substantive legal work.
- Develop and maintain a qualified and committed staff, provide consult and advice as well as applicable training and development.
- Evaluate performance and take corrective action if needed.
- Ensure staff within the practice group achieve professional development and are provided with professional growth opportunities.
Job Requirements:
- Juris Doctor (JD).
- License to practice law in Ohio.
- Experience in a legal services / non-profit environment preferred.
- Working knowledge of recent developments in state and federal case, statutory, and regulatory law related to the interests of Legal Aid’s clients.
- Proficient technology skills in MS Office, Windows and databases.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including attentiveness to cultural needs and differences.
- Excellent management and leadership skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Establish effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
- Organized, prioritize work, plan and problem-solve, meet deadlines and work well under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Notary Public.
- Spanish language skills preferred.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
- Normal office environment; frequent community-based work, including client home visits.
- Regular evening, weekend and early morning hours.
- Some travel required.
Success Factors:
- Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of justice, equity, and access to opportunity for and with people who have low incomes.
- Interact cordially and treat clients, staff and the public with dignity and respect.
- Appreciate diverse cultures and communities.
- Contribute as a good member of an interdisciplinary team and work independently.
- Address issues in a timely manner.
- Use a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
- Maintain strict confidence regarding client and sensitive matters.
- Excellent research, writing, and advocacy skills.
Compensation & Benefits: The salary range for Supervising Attorney is $131,000 to $198,000 DOE, with the top third of the pay range reserved for those with deep skill sets, long tenure, and consistent exceptional performance. Legal Aid offers an exceptional benefits package including healthcare, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plan with up to 13% employer contribution, and much more. Visit www.lasclev.org/careers/overview for more information.
To Apply: Follow the link and complete the application: The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (recruitingbypaycor.com)
Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of
age, race, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
