Lakeshore Legal Aid is seeking an enthusiastic and collegial person to join our growing corps of advocates and help lead and manage our Counsel and Advocacy Law Line's (CALL) transformation as it enters its’ 3rd decade of service.
This position offers an opportunity for an experienced professional with an expansive approach to develop and implement CALL’s vision and core priorities, work in collaboration with other programs to develop and maintain a seamless continuum of legal services, and shape CALL’s policies. We anticipate that the successful candidate will become a leading voice in improving the delivery of quality legal services within Michigan and in shaping the continued success and growth of LLA and CALL. As such, the Director will be a key member of Lakeshore Legal Aid’s (LLA) leadership team and will report directly to, and work closely with, LLA’s Chief Operating Officer. The Director will work with CALL’s management team consisting of a Managing Attorney (a position that is currently open), Supervising Attorneys, and Case Reviewers to insure CALL delivers quality advice/counsel and brief services.
Roles and Responsibilities:
* Collaborate with regional legal services programs and LLA field offices on such things as identifying local or statewide systemic issues that can be addressed through strategic advocacy
* Understand how CALL’s position as the first point of client contact offers a unique perspective on clients’ needs and translate that perspective into information that can be used to improve service delivery
* Participate in LLA’s strategic plan, lead CALL’s 2017 statewide integration planning process and implement results of integration planning beginning in 2018
* Understand how CALL’s unique position as the first point of client contact requires well-trained, skilled attorneys to identify and address clients’ legal issues and support a culture where those skills are valued
* Develop management protocols and oversee all aspects of office administration
* Ensure that legal services provided are consistent with LLA’s priorities, policies and procedures, and that they maximize office resources to provide the highest quality client service.
* Manage and train CALL’s Supervising Attorneys to supervise and mentor staff attorneys and their legal work
* Work with LLA staff to fulfill funding opportunities and reporting responsibilities
* Demonstrated commitment to social justice or experience working on issues impacting disadvantaged and/or low-income populations. Knowledge of poverty law in the areas of family law, housing, consumer and/or government benefits would be beneficial
* Minimum of ten years post-J.D. experience
* Minimum of two years’ managerial experience, including proven ability to motivate, train, evaluate, and mentor attorneys, paralegals, and legal interns
* Meaningful experience and knowledge of principles of administration and supervision
* Ability to deal with people tactfully and effectively
* Ability to build and successfully manage coalitions and work collaboratively with colleagues
* Active membership in the State Bar of Michigan or licensed in another jurisdiction and available to sit for next possible Michigan Bar Exam
Please submit a cover letter & resume to Christine Peltier, Lakeshore Legal Aid Human Resources at [email protected] . Please include “CALL Director application” in subject line.