Description:

An International Law Firm is seeking a fully-dedicated, experienced attorney to serve as the Pro Bono Counsel. The pro bono program is headed by the Pro Bono Partner, who would supervise this position. Steptoe's pro bono program is wide-ranging, including immigration (including asylum and anti-trafficking), landlord-tenant, death penalty, civil rights, family law, governmental benefits (for example, housing, veterans & social security disability), environmental, non-profit corporate support, wills & estates, expungement, and impact litigation. Management/communication skills and federal litigation experience, coupled with a sustained commitment to pro bono legal services, are critical. Projected starting date is during August 2024.

Core Responsibilities:

Working under the direction of Pro Bono Partner, the overall goals for the position are:The continued successful operation of the firm's well-established pro bono program, and development of new, innovative
approaches to promoting the goals of and participation in the programWorking with current legal services providers and NGO partners to maintain and expand existing pro bono collaborations,
as well as exploring new relationshipsPurposeful, one-on-one interaction with all firm attorneys to ascertain existing areas of pro bono interest, to foster new
areas of interest, and to match pro bono case opportunities with individual attorneys' interests.Assist in advancing professional training goals in a manner fully consistent with the firm's pro bono priorities and

Objectives:

Internal Promotion of Program
Working under the direction of Pro Bono Partner, the overall goals for the position are:Assist in the firm's internal pro bono promotional efforts, including newsletters, intranet site maintenance, the annual
internal pro bono celebration, and similar mattersAssist with pro bono orientation sessions with summer associates, incoming class of new associates, and lateral
attorneysCreate or assist in creating presentations for firm-wide eventsMonitor and provide content for the firm's internal pro bono intranet page

External Relations

Working under the direction of Pro Bono Partner, the overall goals for the position are:Represent the firm, maintain an active presence, and participate in access to justice initiatives developed by, or in
partnership with, the legal services communityMonitor and provide content for Steptoe external websiteProvide content as needed for business development and talent recruitment materialsDeveloping and managing pro bono collaborations with billing clientsRespond to and provide data and content for surveys, such as the American Lawyer and the Pro Bono InstituteLiaise with marketing personnel on all matters relating to marketing and sales for the practice group.Develop and maintain strong relationships with legal services providers

Substantive Law Functions

In appropriate cases, and consistent with subject matter experience, serve as lead or supervising attorney; advise on substantive
legal issues; consult on case strategy; fill in for supervising partner as needed
Mentor junior attorneys in development of case management, drafting, client relations, and litigation skills

Administrative Functions

Working under the direction of Pro Bono Partner, the overall goals for the position are:Oversee case opening procedures, including conflict checksArrange for training opportunities, materials, and other resourcesHandle necessary staffing modifications in ongoing mattersAssist in the monitoring of pro bono expenses and budgetingManage statistical analysis of pro bono activity and attorney participation rateParticipate in weekly Pro Bono Office HoursManage the collection and distribution of pro bono case listings received fromlegal services providers and other sources,
including via our weekly SteptoeAssist the pro bono committee and schedule committee meetings; draft agendas; follow up on committee requestsProof and distribute firm-wide pro bono hours and other statistical reportsRespond to internal and external requests for data with respect to pro bono program, including surveysMaintain systems and forms for pro bono useCoordinate our annual Steptoe Day of Service event in the fall

Qualifications and Experience:

Demonstrated commitment to public interest law
Six to ten (6-10) years of legal experience, with very strong preference for candidates with a solid understanding of private law firm
practice as well as familiarity with the public interest legal services sector
Program management experience favored
Significant federal litigation experience, particularly in the civil rights arena
Working familiarity with public interest law issues and practice
DC Bar Admission, or qualified for immediate waiver into the DC Bar. Preference for additional Maryland bar admission as well.
Position is based in Steptoe's Washington, DC office, but responsibilities extend to all Steptoe offices and requires periodic travel