Legal Self-Help Director - Douglas County
Kansas Judicial Branch See More Job Openings by This Employer
- Full Time
- Lawrence, KS
July 11, 2025
Job Description
Legal Self-Help Director
Job description and duties: Douglas County District Court Legal Self-Help Center (SHC), provides access to information at the Judicial Center for people who choose to handle their legal matters without a lawyer to represent them. Because there is a distinction between legal advice (which is not something the SHC provides) and legal information, the ideal candidate will be an attorney with significant experience in domestic, probate, or other legal matters (eviction is a common topic) in which people choose to represent themselves, along with a strong desire to help develop the SHC mission. While some aspects of the position have the potential to involve legal analysis and decision-making on behalf of the Center, the Director will be prohibited from practicing law, including acting as legal counsel to any person utilizing the SHC or its resources.
In its current form, the SHC uses a combination of paid staff and/or volunteers, who will be supervised and/or managed by the Director. Will work with District Court staff and community partners to expand awareness in the community of the SHC's role and develop relationships with other entities in the community which might integrate with the SHC mission.
Duties include identifying/assessing self-represented litigant needs; create and update legal forms and informational packets as needed, and maintain database of approved court forms; recruit, train, schedule, supervise and provide direction for staff and volunteers; develop policies, procedures and practices to ensure compliance with Kansas case law, statutes and court rules; understand and monitor changes in the law that impact information provided to self-represented litigants; develop evaluation tools/maintain statistical records on SHC services; prepare reports and complete assignments as requested by the Court to improve SHC function/utility.
Required education and experience: An attorney in good standing and licensed to practice law. Other experience and education considered.
Preferred qualifications: Working knowledge and experience with basic court processes and procedures, legal terminology and legal documents; familiarity with privacy requirements related to court records; customer service skills; interpersonal and human relations skills; knowledge of and experience applying the principles and practices of management and supervision; computer literacy; ability to interact positively with volunteers, judges, court staff, attorneys and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Must excel in a fast-paced environment where critical thinking and strong problem-solving skills are required for success; an innovative thinker who is positive and proactive; strong written and verbal communication skills; and a strong desire to serve the public.
Salary range: Beginning salary $82,299.89. After 6 months eligible for increase to $84,348.21. After one year, eligible for an increase to $90,757.32.
Application deadline: Open until filled; review of applications will begin July 18, 2025. Position to start employment as soon as practical. Please submit your cover letter and resume to Corrie Thompson ([email protected]) no later than 5:00 pm, Friday, July 25, 2025.
The Americans with Disability Act ensures your right to reasonable accommodations during the employment process. A request for accommodation will not affect your opportunity for employment with Douglas County District Court. It is your responsibility to make your needs known to the Judicial Branch at [email protected]. TDD users may call through the Kansas Relay Center at 800-766-3777 or 711.
Douglas County District Court IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER
DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
Seventh Judicial District
Judicial Center, 111 E. 11th St.
Lawrence, Kansas 66044-2966
Seventh Judicial District
Judicial Center, 111 E. 11th St.
Lawrence, Kansas 66044-2966
Legal Self-Help Director
Job description and duties: Douglas County District Court Legal Self-Help Center (SHC), provides access to information at the Judicial Center for people who choose to handle their legal matters without a lawyer to represent them. Because there is a distinction between legal advice (which is not something the SHC provides) and legal information, the ideal candidate will be an attorney with significant experience in domestic, probate, or other legal matters (eviction is a common topic) in which people choose to represent themselves, along with a strong desire to help develop the SHC mission. While some aspects of the position have the potential to involve legal analysis and decision-making on behalf of the Center, the Director will be prohibited from practicing law, including acting as legal counsel to any person utilizing the SHC or its resources.
In its current form, the SHC uses a combination of paid staff and/or volunteers, who will be supervised and/or managed by the Director. Will work with District Court staff and community partners to expand awareness in the community of the SHC's role and develop relationships with other entities in the community which might integrate with the SHC mission.
Duties include identifying/assessing self-represented litigant needs; create and update legal forms and informational packets as needed, and maintain database of approved court forms; recruit, train, schedule, supervise and provide direction for staff and volunteers; develop policies, procedures and practices to ensure compliance with Kansas case law, statutes and court rules; understand and monitor changes in the law that impact information provided to self-represented litigants; develop evaluation tools/maintain statistical records on SHC services; prepare reports and complete assignments as requested by the Court to improve SHC function/utility.
Required education and experience: An attorney in good standing and licensed to practice law. Other experience and education considered.
Preferred qualifications: Working knowledge and experience with basic court processes and procedures, legal terminology and legal documents; familiarity with privacy requirements related to court records; customer service skills; interpersonal and human relations skills; knowledge of and experience applying the principles and practices of management and supervision; computer literacy; ability to interact positively with volunteers, judges, court staff, attorneys and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Must excel in a fast-paced environment where critical thinking and strong problem-solving skills are required for success; an innovative thinker who is positive and proactive; strong written and verbal communication skills; and a strong desire to serve the public.
Salary range: Beginning salary $82,299.89. After 6 months eligible for increase to $84,348.21. After one year, eligible for an increase to $90,757.32.
Application deadline: Open until filled; review of applications will begin July 18, 2025. Position to start employment as soon as practical. Please submit your cover letter and resume to Corrie Thompson ([email protected]) no later than 5:00 pm, Friday, July 25, 2025.
The Americans with Disability Act ensures your right to reasonable accommodations during the employment process. A request for accommodation will not affect your opportunity for employment with Douglas County District Court. It is your responsibility to make your needs known to the Judicial Branch at [email protected]. TDD users may call through the Kansas Relay Center at 800-766-3777 or 711.
Douglas County District Court IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER
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