TLAS is now accepting applications for a full-time Director of Training & Community Initiatives. We are an office of 55 individuals, including attorneys, social workers, administrative staff, TLAS Fellows, and legal interns. The Toledo Legal Aid Society (TLAS) is a nationally recognized leader in criminal justice reform. In 2020, TLAS was awarded the Hodson Award from the American Bar Association for sustained and outstanding service by a public sector organization. In addition, TLAS has been a key stakeholder in criminal justice reform efforts in Lucas County including, but not limited to, its involvement with the Safety & Justice Challenge.
The Director of Training & Community Initiatives will develop and maintain programming to meet professional and client centered service goals, including training programs, leadership development, career development, and related culture initiatives. This Director will also coordinate opportunities for client and community engagement that may include reentry planning, sealing/expunging records, grant writing, and attending legal clinics and other events.
Job duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Design and implement litigation skills programs, including trial advocacy programs, negotiation workshops, and motion practice.
• Coordinate the orientation and training for the TLAS Fellowship Program.
• Support the orientation and training for the TLAS Intern Program.
• Coordinate training for new and existing attorneys, leadership development, and career development.
• Develop training modules, materials, and programs in collaboration with division supervisors, management staff, the Deputy Chief, and the Chief Public Defender.
• Direct the organization’s CLE function, including distributing CLE opportunities to TLAS staff and partnering with other organizations to create an annual CLE offering.
• Identify and coordinate both in-house and external professional development opportunities and training for all TLAS staff.
• Actively interact and communicate with Training Directors from other legal defense organizations.
• Collaborate with TLAS management and supervisors to manage attorney practice, including supporting training plans for all staff.
• Communicate and train on updates regarding case law, legislation, and other issues affecting the delivery of high-quality legal services.
• Assist with the development of intra-office working groups or affinity groups.
• Assist in identifying funding opportunities and in drafting grant applications to support or create innovative and necessary TLAS programs.
• Work with local and statewide partners on reentry initiatives, including record sealing and expungement.
• Work collaboratively with community partners, clients, and families to support individuals impacted by incarceration and the justice system.
• Oversee documentation of program data and successful participant outcomes and share success stories with the wider Lucas County community.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships through networking and advocacy with local stakeholders on a variety of service needs for clients including housing, mental health, employment, job security, and substance abuse.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Licensed to practice law in Ohio
• 10 years experience in the practice of law (with at least 5 years experience working with underserved populations)
• Experience in managing teams and providing training, support, and coaching preferred
• A demonstrated commitment to the mission of TLAS and to advocacy for low-income persons
• A history of positive and collaborative relationships with courts, organizations, and other agencies
• Excellent interpersonal skills, organized, detail-oriented, and able to meet deadlines
• A capacity to work creatively and collaboratively on legal issues confronting our clients
• Excellent research, writing, oral communication, and advocacy skills
• An ability to develop and maintain skills in time management and organization
• An ability to balance independent work while also contributing in a team-based environment
Send resume and cover letter electronically, by June 21, 2023, to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: Director of Training & Community Initiatives