Director of Litigation and Advocacy
Legal Aid of Arkansas has an exciting leadership position for an experienced and energetic attorney to serve as its Director of Litigation and Advocacy. Supported by an outstanding Board and Leadership Team, Legal Aid provides critical legal services for the poorest and most vulnerable residents in thirty-one counties, with additional special projects having statewide reach. This position will help design, strategically grow, and direct Legal Aid’s litigation and advocacy programs to effectively address the problems of individuals and communities in poverty.
The Director of Litigation and Advocacy, in consultation with Legal Aid’s Leadership Team, will be responsible for:
· Leading and planning an articulated strategic advocacy vision, consistent with Legal Aid’s strategic plan, and promoting methods for identifying and carrying out high quality impact litigation and policy advocacy.
· Mentoring attorneys at all levels, teaching litigation strategies, and developing the litigation skills of the program’s attorneys, including assisting with the identification and approval of training needs and opportunities
· Integration into each of Legal Aid’s four substantive work groups, including attendance at each groups weekly meetings
· Creating an Impact Team to identify, review, and approve new litigation and work with the Leadership Team to further litigation protocols and advocacy
· Co-counseling, coordinating and advising on complex litigation, leading litigation teams, and evaluating alternative forums for solving issues in advance of litigation
· Working with Legal Aid’s pro bono managers to involve private law firms in co-counseling and to develop external relations with Legal Aid’s key stakeholders
· Furthering Legal Aid’s attorney fee recoveries and working with Leadership and Development staff to further grants and donations for advocacy
Possess an extensive and varied litigation background, a history of creative and high impact advocacy, demonstrated leadership in litigation, and substantive expertise in poverty law issues
Be passionate about Legal Aid’s mission and demonstrate a commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income persons
Possess significant commitment, skills, and experience in mentoring and training less-experienced attorneys
Possess strong leadership skills and a leadership style that inspires and encourages professional growth in others
Have successful management experience in a legal services program or similar organization, including working in a team environment
Exhibit excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire the trust and confidence of the Legal Aid staff, Leadership Team, board, client communities, pro bono volunteers, and the public
Be admitted to the Arkansas Bar or eligible for reciprocity.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please submit a letter expressing your qualifications for the position and your vision for the future of Legal Aid services and litigation. Please include a resume, writing sample, citation to and description of impact/systemic litigation previously engaged in, and contact information for three references.
Our goal is to make a final decision in the spring of 2016. Materials and any questions should be submitted to Elizabeth King, Director of Human Resources at eking@arlegalaid.org.
The salary is based on a competitive public interest salary scale, with excellent benefits.
Legal Aid thrives on our diversity and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and strongly encourage women, persons of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups to apply.