Legal Self-Help Director

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

Job summary

Douglas County District Court in Lawrence, Kansas is seeking a Legal Self-Help Director to lead the Self-Help Center, provide accurate procedural information and develop forms and packets to improve access to justice. The Director will supervise staff and volunteers and collaborate with District Court staff and community partners.

The ideal candidate is an attorney in good standing with experience in domestic, probate, or other civil matters, and will help expand awareness of the SHC's role

Qualifications

• An attorney in good standing and licensed to practice law.
• Experience with domestic, probate, or other civil matters is preferred.
• Ability to supervise staff and volunteers and work with community partners.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a combination of paid staff and unpaid volunteers.
• Develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Kansas law and local court rules.
• Provide accurate procedural information and update legal forms and informational packets as needed.
• Identify and assess self-represented litigant needs and maintain records on SHC services.
• Prepare reports and assist the Chief Judge to improve the SHC.

Skills

Strong customer service skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Education

Attorney licensed to practice law

Job description

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.

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.

Duties include 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; and 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; and 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 [e-mail]. TDD users may call through the Kansas Relay Center at 800-766-3777 or 711.

Douglas County District Court IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER