Pro Bono Counsel

We are seeking a Pro Bono Counsel with 3 to 5 years of experience to support our Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Detroit (Southfield), Indianapolis, or Minneapolis offices. A Pro Bono Counsel identifies ways for An American, White-Shoe Law Firm attorneys to provide pro bono legal services in a manner that is consistent with An American, White-Shoe Law Firm's commitment to improve the communities it serves, and that enhances the personal and professional development objectives of An American, White-Shoe Law Firm's attorneys and professionals. All An American, White-Shoe Law Firm employees operate under a “Client First” philosophy—in all things, we seek to provide exceptional services to our clients.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Directs and Coordinates Pro Bono Activity and Initiatives

• Works with the Pro Bono Committee to coordinate and refine the firm's pro bono efforts with the firm's strategic goals. This includes developing opportunities for pro bono work that complements client goals, attorney development, community needs, attorney interests, and community service activities.
• Meets with attorneys to increase their pro bono activity, and find pro bono opportunities that match with attorneys' skills development and business development goals.
• Recruits attorneys to staff legal clinics and programs to which the firm has committed; supervises Pro Bono Coordinator in maintaining calendars of same.
• Assists attorneys as needed with questions about An American, White-Shoe Law Firm's pro bono programs and systems.
• Coordinates pro bono training events that occur at the firm.
• Ensures that attorneys are provided with necessary training to handle pro bono matters.
• Attends meetings of Pro Bono Committee, assists with gathering data for same, and implements the Committee's decisions.

Pro Bono Administration:

• Establishes systems for administering pro bono work that integrate with An American, White-Shoe Law Firm's other administrative systems.
• Assists attorneys with opening new pro bono matters. Reviews all pro bono matters as they are opened, and ensures they comply with An American, White-Shoe Law Firm's Pro Bono Policy.
• Serves as primary contact for external requests asking An American, White-Shoe Law Firm to do pro bono work.
• Analyzes and screens incoming requests for pro bono work and refers as appropriate to attorneys based on their interests, availability, and professional development goals.
• Supervises responses to unsolicited “cold calls” seeking pro bono assistance.
• Manages the Pro Bono Committee's budget, which includes the Firm's giving to legal aid providers.
• Assists as appropriate with pro bono reporting requirements, including pro bono hours performed by attorneys and legal aid giving by the firm and attorneys.

Internal Marketing:

• Works with the Pro Bono Committee to select annual firm pro bono awards recipients.
• Develops and maintains pro bono-related content for the firm internal portal.
• Develops and maintains pro bono-related content for the firm's internal newsletter and other communications.
• Maintains an archive of pro bono successes and stories.

External Marketing and Outreach:

• Develops and maintains pro bono-related content for the firm website.
• Serves as a liaison to legal service providers, courts, bar associations, and related community organizations.
• When possible, attends fundraising and other events for legal service providers.
• Assists Pro Bono Committee with nominating the firm, its members, and others for pro bono-related recognitions.
• Meets with pro bono professionals in the communities served by the firm.
• As needed, gathers information regarding pro bono for requests for proposals and other communications to clients or prospective clients.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to motivate others, lead projects, work in a team environment, and take initiative.
• Ability to work efficiently within fast-paced law firm environment and understand how pro bono activity fits into law firm goals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work productively with people of varied backgrounds and interests, most importantly Taft's attorneys and pro bono clients.
• Familiarity with legal resources available for low-income individuals and communities.
• Ability to be discreet, maintain confidential information, and use sound judgment.
• Self-starter who can work with limited supervision.
• Working knowledge of programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Internet resources.

Education and Experience:

• 3-5 years of prior experience in a large law firm environment, or analogous in-house environment, is strongly encouraged.
• Bachelor's degree and J.D. required.
• License to practice law in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, or Ohio strongly encouraged.