Manager, Pro Bono

New York, NY

Job Description

Partners with Pro Bono Counsel in all aspects of pro bono coordination, focusing especially on NY office attorneys.

Primary Responsibilities and/or Essential Functions

• Manages the collection and distribution of pro bono case listings received from public service providers, as well as matters brought in through the Pro Bono Committee members, partners and associates. Sends out announcements about new matters to the diverse legal population of the firm.
• Liaises closely with pro bono clearinghouses to create new opportunities and obtain matters of interest for Firm attorneys.
• Exercises risk management: ensuring that clearinghouses are properly screening matters before referring them and are also providing adequate oversight and assistance during the course of each matter’s life. Finds new volunteers or engages other departments when more support is needed.  Monitors matter staffing at attorney departures.
• Supports the Pro Bono Committee.  Presents updates at meetings and follow up on committee requests and special projects.
• Assists the Pro Bono Counsel with coordination of regional offices’ pro bono work including staffing, team building, and developing new relationships with clearinghouses and nonprofits in the local areas.
• Oversees completion of required firm surveys, monitors pro bono statistics, and assists with supervision of pro bono tracking system for internal and external use.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with public service providers and peer colleagues at other law firms regarding pro bono programs and issues.
• Continually builds new relationships within the legal service and not-for-profit community to expand matter portfolio, especially with regard to diversity.
• Manages internal and external pro bono training programs and panels.
• Plans, assists and oversees all aspects of yearly firm-wide luncheon awards ceremony honoring all attorneys and administrative staff who perform 50+ hours of pro bono annually.
• Coordinates orientation for first year attorneys to pro bono practice and holds introductory meetings with members of the incoming class to help them identify pro bono work of interest.
• Partners with Pro Bono Counsel on planning and coordination of annual World Pro Bono Week program of presentations and annual Firm Not-for-Profit Board Governance Symposium.
• Coordinates NY summer associate pro bono assignments and externship program.
• Partners with the Pro Bono Counsel and other Pro Bono Department staff to organize and manage pro bono-related presentations, events, clinics, trainings, etc.
• Travels, as needed, to regional offices to represent Firm’s pro bono team.
• Represents the firm at external client meetings.
• Oversees the day-to-day work of the Sr. Coordinator.
• Any additional responsibilities as required by management.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability

• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to pro bono/public service.
• Highly energetic, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a “customer service” focus.
• Public speaking experience.
• Strong follow-up skills.
• Excellent listening skills, strong diplomatic and persuasion skills.
• Strong attention to detail and project management skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to work directly with senior attorneys and administrative staff.
• Ability to monitor important and complex projects concurrently.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work within schedule constraints and handle emergent requirements in a timely manner.

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• JD or advanced degree in related field preferred.