Managing Attorney
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance to persons living with low income/low opportunity, seeks an attorney to manage its Hannibal, MO office. The Managing Attorney has full administrative responsibility for the Hannibal office which handles an interesting mix of civil cases across 14 northeast Missouri counties. The Managing Attorney will carry a full caseload as well as handle the administrative and supervisory responsibilities of the Hannibal office. It is a great opportunity to run a small law office and help the community. The Managing Attorney will work under the supervision of the Associate Director for Client Services and the Executive Director.
About Hannibal
Hannibal is a vibrant town of over 17,000 residents about 100 miles northeast of St. Louis. Hannibal has affordable real estate prices, a low cost of living and an emerging artists’ community. With year round festivals and events, Hannibal benefits tremendously from tourism most of which is centered on Mark Twain and his childhood home. It’s also home to Hannibal-LaGrange University and a local campus of Moberly Community College.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Supervise all staff in the Hannibal office program, consisting of two paralegals and a part-time attorney;
2. Process a full caseload, as well as fulfilling administrative oversight responsibilities for filing systems, record retention, reporting requirements; tickler systems and docketing systems;
3. Conduct regular case reviews with office staff;
4. Ensure staff compliance with LSEM’s Operations Manual;
5. Ensure staff compliance with LSC regulations;
6. Work with the Director of Advocacy to identify issues that are appropriate for systemic or impact litigation;
7. Screen and evaluate cases for referral to the Judicare Program (private attorney placement);
8. Conduct community education, outreach, networking, and maintain relationships with community organizations across 14 counties in northeast Missouri.
Previous experience in legal services and/or demonstrated commitment to public interest law work or to legal services for persons living with low-income/low opportunity or who are disabled is strongly preferred. Missouri Bar license or ability to be admitted by application without examination or by temporary certification required. The ideal candidate will have strong litigation and advocacy skills, excellent writing ability and be computer proficient. The candidate should have at least 5 years of litigation experience and excellent written and oral communication skills. Applicant must be willing to provide high quality civil legal representation in family law to prevent abuse, landlord tenant disputes, public benefits, consumer fraud and debt collection, elder law, education and other areas of poverty law and must be sensitive to the needs of the low-income/low opportunity community. Must have ability to work collaboratively with others, be energetic and committed to the legal aid mission. The candidate must be organized and accountable, able to take initiative, and possess sound judgment with a demonstrated ability to work independently. Must be willing to serve as an ambassador for LSEM in the 14 northeast Missouri counties served by the Hannibal office and must be able to identify the legal needs of those served by the Hannibal office. Must possess strong managerial and communication skills.
Please send a cover letter (including salary expectations), resume and a list of three references to John Early, Human Resources Director, at jgearly@lsem.org.
Submission Deadline: March 13, 2015.
Equal access to LSEM’s office is available. Those applicants requiring accommodation to the interview/application process should contact the Human Resources Director at the e-mail address listed above. LSEM is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary commensurate with experience.