Executive Director of the Texas Center for Legal Ethics

Details

Posted : 11-Feb-25

Location : Austin, Texas

Type : Full Time

Categories :

Executive Director / CEO

Salary Details :

Salary commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits.

Required Education : Doctorate

Internal Number : 25

General Description

Texas Center for Legal Ethics (TCLE), a Texas nonprofit public foundation (50l(c)), produces educational programs in ethics and maintains information for Texas lawyers about legal ethics and professionalism. This position is an executive level position, which serves at the direction and pleasure of the TCLE Board of Trustees. The Executive Director is responsible for the professional, administrative, and financial work necessary to support the ongoing operations of the organization and to develop new programming opportunities for education and training in the areas of legal ethics, professionalism, and grievance avoidance. The Executive Director performs a variety of responsibilities related to planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing all aspects of the Center's programs. The Executive Director is responsible for developing and managing TCLE's budget, financial reporting, tax reporting, grants and fundraising proposals. The Executive Director must be comfortable working with justices of the Supreme Court of Texas, leaders and staff of the State Bar of Texas and others engaged in furthering ethics and professionalism. The individual must be comfortable as a public speaker, presenter, and writer to serve as an ombudsman and advocate for high ethical standards and professionalism for the lawyers of Texas, the State Bar of Texas, and bar-related organizations across the country.

Primary Functions

• Implements the Center’s Mission Statement, Master Agreement and recommends changes and new initiatives to the Board.
• Develops and executes strategic development and marketing plans to ensure the continued growth and success of the organization.
• Generates and maintains strong relationships with justices of the Supreme Court of Texas, State Bar leaders, attorneys, law professors, law school deans, local and specialty bars and members of the judiciary.
• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs all aspects of the Center’s programs and initiatives for individual bar associations, the judiciary, law firms, corporate legal departments, and governmental agencies.
• Oversees content development, course materials, and delivery of the Center’s live and on-line courses, including the Justice James A. Baker Guide to Ethics and Professionalism in Texas.
• Oversees the maintenance of the online index of all Texas Ethics Opinions and other ethics related published materials.
• Oversees the development of the annual budget and ensuring financial stability and transparency to the Board of Trustees. Reviews monthly financial reports as they are received from the State Bar of Texas Finance Department.
• Prepares an annual compliance report for the Supreme Court of Texas regarding the Justice James A. Baker Guide to Ethics and Professionalism in Texas.
• Oversees day-to-day operations, including staffing, contract, and vendor relationships.
• Conducts staff performance reviews, evaluates and manages staffing needs of the organization.
• Represents the Center in national associations of similar professionalism groups from around the country, including committees and sections of the American Bar Association.
• Develops articles, speeches, lectures, and public relations and marketing communications on topics related to ethics and professionalism for distribution to law schools, bar associations, private firms, corporate counsel departments, and other organizations and publications.
• Oversees the maintenance, functionality, and content development of the Center’s website.
• Develops and implements marketing strategies to expand the reach of the Center’s programs and promotes its mission effectively.
• Collaborates with stakeholders to create impactful educational programs, including Continuing Legal Education initiatives, training, and publications.
• Works closely with the Board of Trustees to implement the Center’s mission and strategic plan.
• Oversees comprehensive support to the Board, including organizing meetings, Board retreats, preparing reports, and offering recommendations on policy and program matters.

Position Requirements

Experience and Education

A bachelor’s degree is required, an advanced degree in nonprofit management, law, business administration, or a related field is strongly preferred.

A juris doctor’s degree from an ABA approved law school and membership in the State Bar of Texas is required.

Minimum of 5 years in senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, including working with boards of directors or trustees.

Proven experience in budget development, financial management, and tax reporting for nonprofit organizations.

Knowledge and experience with MCLE course design, delivery, and accreditation.

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans, manage multiple projects and lead a team effectively.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to effectively implement management policies and procedures and to organize, direct and coordinate the activities of staff and volunteer lawyers.

Strong initiative and leadership skills with the ability to work with and under the direction of a board of directors.

Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral form.

Knowledge and experience with the general practice of law, professional responsibility rules and ethical considerations, and the State Bar of Texas grievance system.

About State Bar of Texas - Texas Center for Legal Ethics The State Bar of Texas is an administrative agency of the state’s judicial branch that provides educational programs for the legal profession and the public, administers the Minimum Continuing Legal Education program for attorneys, and manages the grievance process.