The Director of Special Projects and Pro Bono is a senior leadership role within the firm, overseeing GLS’ Special Program and Pro Bono Initiatives; responsibilities will include leading assignments and performing independently. This position is expected to provide guidance, mentoring, direction, and leadership to their team and throughout the agency and to carry a substantial case load. This individual is responsible for managing delivery of service through expertise within a variety of areas of law and supervises other attorneys and team members within the unit. They possess exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills. This position is expected to deliver superior performance at a high capacity with a client-centered approach to services.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversight of special projects unique to the agency which do not fall into traditional programmatic units.
• Oversight of volunteer/pro bono program, intern/extern programs, and co-counseling relationships, monitoring case statuses.
• Tracking and analyzing legislative initiatives and case law developments for delivery to legal/programmatic staff.
• Serves as a manager, trainer, mentor, and resource for other staff within the unit.
• Supervises other attorneys, paralegals, Victim Advocates, Client Service Specialists, and students as assigned.
• Provides input on complex cases to support agency staff, leading and co-counseling in appellate cases as appropriate and required.
• Facilitates regular case staffing meetings with staff.
• Seeks out new/novel areas of law to expand our firm practice areas, in collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer; collaborates with the CEO and Grants and Resource Development Manager in identifying sources of funding for expanding projects.
• Assists programmatic units with seeking attorneys’ fees as allowable.
• Responds to the legal needs of clients, through the provision of direct legal assistance.
• Develops and monitors GLS pro bono projects, including limited scope or full representation, participation in GLS's legal clinics, and co-counsel on individual cases and impact litigation.
• Assist in the development, coordination, and presentation of substantive law trainings to private bar attorneys.
• Actively engage in trainings, community outreach events, and meetings concerning pro bono and participate in pro bono working groups/committees.
• Design and implement quality control system for cases assigned to volunteers, in consultation with other staff and as applicable to all grant conditions.
• Work with the Chief Finance Officer to ensure grant matches are on track and/or being met.
• Work with the Grants & Resource Development Manager to highlight outstanding volunteers in GLS communications.
• Provides updates to CEO on needs of unit; represents unit in leadership team meetings as requested.
• Travel will be necessary, access to reliable transportation is required.
• Performs other duties as discussed with the CEO.

BASIC STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:

• Satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
• Compliance with all Gulfcoast Legal Services policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with and adherence to the organization’s mission.
• Excellent trauma informed legal services understanding and implementation skills.
• Satisfactory completion of duties and responsibilities of the position as required by management and supervisors.
• Performs related work as required and fills in for positions above and below in the event of staffing shortages.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, required.
• Ability to deal professionally, courteously, and efficiently with people.
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to working with clients who have experienced trauma.
• Ability to plan, direct and coordinate activities; work with government agencies, community groups and other organizations as necessary; communicate effectively in both written and oral forms; exhibit independent judgment in the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, procedures, and policies.
• Demonstrated solution-based leadership skills.
• Ability to work on various projects while balancing different priorities.
• Ability to work overtime and non-business hours as required to complete assignments and/or meet client needs.

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• A commitment to the provision of high-quality legal services to under- and unserved populations and the mission and vision of Gulfcoast Legal Services.
• Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Florida Bar membership and eligibility to practice law in the State of Florida.
• No action and/or disciplinary measure taken by the Florida Bar preferred.
• At least ten (10) years’ experience as a licensed, practicing attorney preferred, preferably with at least one year of experience in a legal aid, government, or nonprofit setting. Other relevant experience may be considered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to lift and/or carry office supplies, equipment, files, etc. up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to work overtime when required.
• Ability to lift and/or carry office supplies, equipment, files, etc. up to 10 pounds.

Gulfcoast Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. Salary starts at $90,000/yr. We offer an excellent benefits package, 2% retirement match, generous paid time off, the opportunity to work from home up to 2 days a week, a 37.5-hour work week and professional development CLE payment assistance. Attorneys may also qualify for the Loan Repayment Assistance Program through the Florida Bar Foundation of up to $5,000 yearly, as well as Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs. Candidate must complete an application and pass a background screening before employment can begin.

GLS provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, GLS will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• practicing attorney: 10 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Florida Bar License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Saint Petersburg, FL 33701: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Saint Petersburg, FL 33701