Director, Access to Justice & Pro Bono Initiatives

Nacba; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

State Bar of Texas is seeking a Director for the Legal Access Department to lead statewide pro bono and legal aid initiatives. The role focuses on coordinating with providers, stakeholders, and volunteers to expand services for low-income Texans and to support policy, planning, and reporting.

The position requires a Texas law license with 8+ years in access-to-justice work, strong leadership, strategic planning, and excellent communication. Travel is required.

Qualifications

• Requires Texas law license with 8+ years in access-to-justice work.
• Strong management and leadership across organizational levels.
• Excellent communication, confidentiality, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee LAD initiatives and projects to improve legal services and access to justice for low-income Texans.
• Coordinate with legal service providers, volunteer attorneys, and stakeholders to support statewide pro bono efforts.
• Supervise all LAD staff and handle administrative duties.
• Assist in developing policies, goals, and priorities for increased access to justice.
• Prepare articles, reports, and materials on LAD activities for internal and external audiences.
• Communicate with entities and partners to promote pro bono work and access to justice.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Public speaking

Financial management

Staff development

Stakeholder management

Job description

General Description

Serves as Director of the State Bar of Texas Legal Access Department (LAD). Provides statewide support for legal aid and pro bono programs. Develops and implements strategies and initiatives to improve pro bono efforts and other legal services to low-income Texans. Focuses on coordinating pro bono and legal aid initiatives and supporting statewide access to justice efforts. Provides staff support for LAD projects and activities. Supervises and directs LAD staff. Works with relevant committees, state, local and national stakeholders, and the public. Reports directly to the Chief Legal Counsel.

Primary Functions

1. Oversee pro bono initiatives and LAD projects to improve legal services and access to justice for low-income Texans.
2. Coordinate with legal service providers, volunteer attorneys, State Bar departments, and other stakeholders to support statewide pro bono efforts.
3. Supervises all staff activities and performs necessary administrative duties.
4. Assist State Bar in developing and supporting policies, goals, and priorities aimed at increasing legal services availability to low-income individuals.
5. Prepare articles, reports, and written materials about LAD activities for internal and external audiences.
6. Assists in communication and coordination with other entities, legal service providers, and other interested parties to promote and support pro bono work and access to justice for low-income Texans.

Position Requirements

Texas law license (or licensed in another state and eligible to sit for Texas Bar Exam or apply for reciprocity) with a minimum of eight years of experience in working with access to justice issues required. Requires demonstrated skills in management and leadership across all organizational levels. Must have the ability to build productive professional relationships with staff, Commissioners and volunteers, and State Bar leadership. Requires strong oral and written communication, including public speaking, analytical and problem-solving skills; proven ability to maintain confidentiality; able to work both independently on assigned projects and as a team member. Requires outstanding strategic and annual planning skills, financial management skills, and staff support skills. Experience with coordination with stakeholders regarding fundraising events and efforts preferred. Some travel required.