Legal Access Department Director

State Bar of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The State Bar of Texas seeks a Director of the Legal Access Department (LAD) to lead statewide pro bono initiatives and legal aid programs for low-income Texans. You will develop and implement strategies, supervise LAD staff, and report to the Chief Legal Counsel.

You will work with committees, state and national stakeholders, and the public to enhance access to justice, prepare reports, and support policy development.

Qualifications

• Requires a Texas law license and 8+ years in access to justice.
• Proven management and leadership across all organizational levels.
• Strong oral and written communication and public speaking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pro bono initiatives and LAD projects to improve access to justice.
• Coordinate with legal service providers, volunteers, and stakeholders statewide.
• Supervise LAD staff and handle administrative duties.
• Develop policies and priorities to increase legal services for low-income Texans.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Education

Texas law license

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

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