What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pro Bono Counsel position at Williams & Connolly LLP?
Williams & Connolly LLP is looking for a Pro Bono Counsel to support and manage the firm's engagement in pro bono work. The Pro Bono Counsel works with the Pro Bono Committee to drive and oversee the administration of pro bono matters, including sourcing and supporting pro bono matters, fostering partnerships with legal organizations and corporate clients, and maintaining a pro bono legal practice. The ideal candidate will possess both a strong legal background and personal commitment to pro bono services, ensuring the firm's continued impact in providing legal assistance.
Responsibilities for this position include the following:
* Maintain the standing relationships with pro bono partners, non-profit organizations, legal services groups, and courts, while working to identify and cultivate new connections that align with the firm's values and community needs;
* Coordinate the firm's participation in pro bono initiatives and partnerships with clinics and organizations;
* Review and assess new pro bono matters from legal services organizations, subject to established intake protocols, and work with the Pro Bono Committee to approve matters from new or unknown organizations;
* Facilitate the process of opening new pro bono matters by collaborating with the Intake Committee, General Counsel and the Ethics Committee to identify, elevate, and resolve potential ethics or loss prevention issues;
* Promote pro bono participation among attorneys and staff by matching individuals with opportunities that complement their interests, providing professional development opportunities, and increasing engagement and retention;
* Oversee staffing requirements for pro bono matters by applying strong project management skills and strategic planning;
* Develop solutions to increase courtroom and stand-up opportunities for associates and ensure partner attendance to evaluate associates' standup opportunities;
* Plan and assess resources and training needs for attorneys and staff participating in pro bono work; develop and update written training and document resources for key pro bono practices; develop and/or lead CLE presentations related to pro bono practices, including Ethics in Pro Bono Matters, Maryland Criminal Trial Practice, Maryland Criminal Appeal Practice, and Asylum Practice;
* Supervise pro bono matters and serve as a resource for case teams;
* Approve proposals for experts or other substantial costs in pro bono matters;
* Identify cost-saving techniques for pro bono matters to best serve the client;
* Manage participation with local clinics to staff tables and events;
* Set and track pro bono engagement goals;
* Maintain accurate data collection and records for pro bono matters for internal and external reporting;
* Act as firm representative at conferences, networking events, outreach and community events;
* Prepare effective communication and strategies for internal and external messages regarding pro bono initiatives and successes; Demonstrate a commitment to mentorship and training; and
* Work successfully across administrative departments and Committees to advance pro bono objectives and the firm brand.
* A Juris Doctorate degree and DC bar membership required, Maryland bar membership strongly preferred;
* Minimum of six (6) years as a practicing attorney with experience in both civil and criminal proceedings;
* Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills required. Must be self-directed, self-motivated, possess strong project management and time management skills, as well as analytical and problem-solving skills;
* Understanding of various legal areas including criminal defense, immigration law, and post-conviction representation. Must have the ability to quickly and effectively learn and apply new areas of law to support the pro bono practice; and
* Demonstrate familiarity with loss prevention risk and risk management process including law firm conflicts and ethics, and the ability to provide guidance to attorneys engaging in public interest work and direct representation.
The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $335,000-$365,000. The final salary offer is dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, years of experience, education, and other relevant skills and qualifications. Williams & Connolly LLP offers competitive compensation and benefits packages. After successfully completing the introductory period, the candidate will be eligible to work a hybrid schedule.
Responsibilities for this position include the following:
* Maintain the standing relationships with pro bono partners, non-profit organizations, legal services groups, and courts, while working to identify and cultivate new connections that align with the firm's values and community needs;
* Coordinate the firm's participation in pro bono initiatives and partnerships with clinics and organizations;
* Review and assess new pro bono matters from legal services organizations, subject to established intake protocols, and work with the Pro Bono Committee to approve matters from new or unknown organizations;
* Facilitate the process of opening new pro bono matters by collaborating with the Intake Committee, General Counsel and the Ethics Committee to identify, elevate, and resolve potential ethics or loss prevention issues;
* Promote pro bono participation among attorneys and staff by matching individuals with opportunities that complement their interests, providing professional development opportunities, and increasing engagement and retention;
* Oversee staffing requirements for pro bono matters by applying strong project management skills and strategic planning;
* Develop solutions to increase courtroom and stand-up opportunities for associates and ensure partner attendance to evaluate associates' standup opportunities;
* Plan and assess resources and training needs for attorneys and staff participating in pro bono work; develop and update written training and document resources for key pro bono practices; develop and/or lead CLE presentations related to pro bono practices, including Ethics in Pro Bono Matters, Maryland Criminal Trial Practice, Maryland Criminal Appeal Practice, and Asylum Practice;
* Supervise pro bono matters and serve as a resource for case teams;
* Approve proposals for experts or other substantial costs in pro bono matters;
* Identify cost-saving techniques for pro bono matters to best serve the client;
* Manage participation with local clinics to staff tables and events;
* Set and track pro bono engagement goals;
* Maintain accurate data collection and records for pro bono matters for internal and external reporting;
* Act as firm representative at conferences, networking events, outreach and community events;
* Prepare effective communication and strategies for internal and external messages regarding pro bono initiatives and successes; Demonstrate a commitment to mentorship and training; and
* Work successfully across administrative departments and Committees to advance pro bono objectives and the firm brand.
* A Juris Doctorate degree and DC bar membership required, Maryland bar membership strongly preferred;
* Minimum of six (6) years as a practicing attorney with experience in both civil and criminal proceedings;
* Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills required. Must be self-directed, self-motivated, possess strong project management and time management skills, as well as analytical and problem-solving skills;
* Understanding of various legal areas including criminal defense, immigration law, and post-conviction representation. Must have the ability to quickly and effectively learn and apply new areas of law to support the pro bono practice; and
* Demonstrate familiarity with loss prevention risk and risk management process including law firm conflicts and ethics, and the ability to provide guidance to attorneys engaging in public interest work and direct representation.
The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $335,000-$365,000. The final salary offer is dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, years of experience, education, and other relevant skills and qualifications. Williams & Connolly LLP offers competitive compensation and benefits packages. After successfully completing the introductory period, the candidate will be eligible to work a hybrid schedule.
Salary : $335,000 - $365,000
