EJVP Coordinator - Abilene

POSITION:                EJVP Coordinator – Abilene (Full-Time Position)
CLOSING DATE:       Position Immediately Available and Closed When Filled
LOCATION:               Hybrid/Remote – Abilene, Texas

OVERVIEW: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) seeks a dynamic, self-starting individual who has vision, initiative, and a demonstrated commitment to public interest law to fill an Equal Justice Volunteer Program (EJVP) Coordinator position in its Abilene office.

DESCRIPTION: LANWT is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides high-quality free civil legal services to low-income persons in 114 counties in North and West Texas. Located in Abilene, the Abilene office delivers civil legal services in the city and in the surrounding rural counties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The EJVP Coordinator works with private attorneys and volunteers, local bar associations, the Director of Pro Bono and Bar Relations, Managing Attorney and the entire branch staff in carrying out the EJVP efforts for the branch. The EJVP Coordinator is responsible for coordinating volunteer legal clinics and recruiting volunteer staff. Other responsibilities include:

• Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation Act and regulations, as well as with LANWT’s EJVP plan and policies.
• Implement and manage the branch office’s EJVP efforts throughout the geographic area served by the office.
• Participate in the activities of local and remote bar associations, legal organizations and in statewide task forces.
• Maintain working relationships with local bar associations and individual participating attorneys and serve as a liaison between these groups and LANWT staff.
• Hold legal clinics in the community.
• Recruit pro bono attorneys to participate in the EJVP program, including participation in legal clinics and accepting full service pro bono cases.
• Open, maintain, and close cases in the case management system.
• Conduct intake by answering and returning applicant and client calls; conducting initial client screening, referring clients who are ineligible for LANWT service to other resources or providers, and creating electronic client files.
• Investigating and developing cases and projects assigned, including conducting necessary interviews.
• Making and following up on the referrals of clients to appropriate alternative or additional sources of assistance.
• Drafting pleadings, orders, letters, memos, and other written materials relating to assigned cases or projects.
• File legal papers/pleadings at the courthouse or through e-filing, including setting hearing dates, and interacting with court staff, opposing parties and clients.
• Maintaining accurate, complete, well-organized records and files regarding cases and projects assigned.
• Answer phones, return calls, assist other staff, and do other clerical work as necessary, including but not limited to scanning documents, filing, and processing mail.
• Conduct orientation sessions for all participating pro bono volunteers.
• Refer cases and provide necessary support to pro bono attorneys participating in the EJVP program.
• Monitor the status of EJVP cases to ensure that they are handled timely and appropriately.
• Participate in staffing meetings to assist in determining cases suitable for EJVP referrals.
• Involve the branch staff in EJVP activities.
• Review office quarterly statistical reports with the Managing Attorney to detect trends and locate problem areas.
• Travel to remote counties as needed to implement and nurture EJVP efforts.
• Provide oral reports for EJVP staff meetings.
• Participate in training events and other meetings to enhance knowledge and skills needed in the EJVP program.
• Design a system to recognize pro bono volunteers for their contribution to LANWT.
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism regarding client matters.
• Maintain professionalism toward clients, visitors, and staff.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Managing Attorney, the Director of Pro Bono & Bar Relations, Deputy Director or the Chief Executive Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s Degree and paralegal certification is preferred.
• 2 years prior law office experience preferred.
• Prior experience in family law preferred.
• Candidate must be detail oriented, organized and self-motivated.
• Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Comfortable speaking in public.
• Ability to interact professionally and courteously with individuals at all levels.
• Excellent computer skills with