Philadelphia VIP, the hub of pro bono in Philadelphia, recruits, trains, and supports volunteer attorneys who provide free legal services to low-income clients.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Managing Attorney and serving on the Management Team, the Supervising Attorney supervises team members and supports volunteer attorneys and low-income clients facing critical legal problems in a range of areas of civil law and procedure, including but not limited to family law, homeownership, and torts, with a particular emphasis on debt collection and guardianship matters. The position is full-time and exempt, with a salary range of $55,000 to $65,000, generous employee benefits, and an outstanding team atmosphere. VIP values a diverse work environment and strongly encourages people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, and people with disabilities to apply.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
- Pennsylvania Bar License and graduate of an accredited law school
- Minimum 3 years of legal work experience
- Strong leadership skills and experience supervising others, preferably in a legal setting
- Demonstrated interest in supporting volunteers and commitment to VIP’s service model
- Passion for access to justice for underserved communities; experience assisting low-income clients and pro bono volunteers preferred, but not required
- Excellent analytical skills, including facility with quantitative and qualitative data
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated capacity to build relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Collaborative, has capacity to receive and act on feedback, able to play both leadership and team member roles
- Close attention to detail, organized, and able to manage multiple, simultaneous projects and deadlines
- Ability to speak and read a foreign language – especially Spanish, Arabic, or Southeast Asian languages – is a plus
- Embraces technology, including leading-edge case management systems
KEY FUNCTIONS
Supervise legal team members and lead the volunteer engagement and case management process:
- Train, supervise, and evaluate direct reports in all aspects of their work, including client/case preparation, volunteer relations, “pitching” to volunteers, technical assistance to volunteers, and volunteer trainings.
- Track metrics to assess legal program outcomes and staff performance, including initiating inquiries into key data points and developing next steps in response.
- Promptly review and respond to volunteer requests for pro bono opportunities.
Recruit and retain volunteer attorneys in private practice to fulfill VIP’s mission:
- Proactively seek opportunities to engage new, current, and lapsed volunteers with VIP’s mission and casework, including by assertively referring cases to volunteer attorneys.
- Develop new sources of potential volunteers, including by assisting with planning and executing recruitment events and presentations.
- Actively strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, including current volunteers and a diverse array of practice settings, and participate in volunteer recognition efforts and events.
- Organize and conduct trainings, CLEs, orientations, and other events for volunteer attorneys. Regularly update training materials and volunteer resources.
Guide and support clients and volunteer attorneys throughout the life of the case:
- Review new intakes sent to VIP, screening for eligibility, urgency, legal merit, and appropriateness for a volunteer. Assign eligible cases to staff members for work-up and placement with a volunteer attorney.
- Provide encouraging, timely assistance to volunteer attorneys on substantive and procedural legal issues, case support services, and client interaction.
- Understand legal issues involved in cases in order to provide technical assistance to volunteer attorneys throughout the life of a case, developing a particular depth of knowledge around debt collection and guardianship matters.
- Monitor referred cases by seeking, reviewing, and following up on periodic status reports from volunteers and clients. Close completed cases promptly and accurately according to VIP procedures.
Lead and support other efforts to further VIP’s mission and strategic goals:
- Help implement VIP’s 2017-2020 Strategic Plan, including primary responsibility for designated task(s).
- Work to improve policies and procedures that will assist volunteers in their pro bono service, collaborating with other legal services agencies, courts, and government officials as needed.
- Attend regular meetings and perform all other duties, as assigned.
HOW TO APPLY:
E-mail cover letter and resume to Karna Laubenstein, Director of Operations, klaubenstein@phillyvip.org. No calls, please.
What to include in your cover letter: All cover letters should include salary requirement, potential start date, and any non-English language skills. Applicants are invited to include a statement about how the applicant’s unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of VIP’s staff team and legal practice.
Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those received by Friday, December 27, 2019.
Ideal start date: Early February 2019.
PHILADELPHIA VIP IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER