Legal Self-Help Director

Kansas Judicial Branch; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT is seeking a Legal Self-Help Director to lead the Self-Help Center, oversee staff and volunteers, and help expand access to justice in Lawrence, Kansas. The director will supervise personnel, partner with court and community entities, and ensure accurate information and compliant procedures.

Applicants must be an attorney in good standing with substantial civil matters experience.

Qualifications

• Attorney licensed to practice law in good standing.
• Experience with court processes and procedures is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and customer service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a combination of paid staff and volunteers; work with court staff and partners to expand SHC awareness.
• Ensure compliance with Kansas law and local court rules; monitor changes affecting SHC information.
• Develop policies, procedures and practices; prepare reports for the Chief Judge.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Management and supervision

Computer literacy

Education

Attorney license in good standing

Tools

None

Job description

DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT

Seventh Judicial District

Judicial Center, 111 E. 11th St.

Lawrence, Kansas 66044-2966

Legal Self-Help Director

Job description and duties:

The Douglas County District Court Legal Self-Help Center (SHC) provides legal information to people who handle their civil legal matters without a lawyer to represent them. The ideal candidate will be an attorney with significant experience in domestic, probate, or other civil matters (eviction is a common topic), along with a strong desire to help develop the SHC mission of advancing access to justice for all members of our community. While some aspects of the position have the potential to involve legal analysis and decision-making on behalf of the Center, the Director will be prohibited from practicing law, including acting as legal counsel to any person utilizing the SHC or its resources.

• The Director shall supervise a combination of paid staff and unpaid volunteers and will work with District Court staff and community partners to expand awareness in the community of the SHC’s role and develop relationships with other entities in the community which might integrate with the SHC.
• The Director will be prohibited from practicing law, including acting as legal counsel to any person utilizing the SHC or its resources.
• Identifying and assessing self-represented litigant needs.
• Providing accurate procedural information.
• Creating and updating legal forms and informational packets as needed.
• Recruiting, training, and supervising staff and volunteers.
• Developing policies, procedures and practices to ensure compliance with Kansas law and local court rules.
• Understanding and monitoring changes that impact information provided to self-represented litigants.
• Developing evaluation tools and maintaining statistical records on SHC services.
• Preparing reports and completing assignments as requested by the Chief Judge to improve the SHC.
• Maintaining a positive relationship with judges, court staff, and county administration.

Required education and experience:

An attorney in good standing and licensed to practice law. Other experience and education considered.

Preferred qualifications:

• Working knowledge and experience with court processes and procedures, legal terminology and legal documents.
• Familiarity with privacy requirements related to court records.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Interpersonal and human relations skills.
• Knowledge of and experience applying the principles and practices of management and supervision.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to interact positively with others from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment where critical thinking and strong problem-solving skills are required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A strong desire to serve the public.

Salary range:

Beginning salary $85,193.95. After 6 months eligible for increase to $87,249.18. After one year, eligible for an increase to $93,889.70.

Application deadline:

Open until filled. Position to start employment as soon as practical.

The Americans with Disability Act ensures your right to reasonable accommodations during the employment process. A request for accommodation will not affect your opportunity for employment with Douglas County District Court. It is your responsibility to make your needs known to the Judicial Branch at [emailprotected]. TDD users may call through the Kansas Relay Center at 800-766-3777 or 711.

Douglas County District Court IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER