AVLF is seeking applicants for the full-time position of Director of Legal Services for the nationally recognized Standing With Our Neighbors™ (SWON) Program in Atlanta, Georgia. The ideal candidate must be an Attorney and oversees the intricate network of relationships between AVLF and APS schools, community partners, law firms, and volunteers. Additionally, they provide vital support and training to staff attorneys and community advocates, ensuring their effectiveness within the SWON Program.
Additional responsibilities include managing administrative tasks such as approving staff time off and reimbursement requests, assigning tasks, leading team meetings, setting and achieving team goals, implementing AVLF’s strategic plan, and other duties assigned by the Executive Director or Deputy Director. The role may also involve advocacy, litigation, and providing legal assistance to tenants as needed.
The ideal candidate will be deeply committed to tenant advocacy, working with community organizations to address wrongful evictions and poor living conditions. They should also be passionate about innovating the delivery of legal services.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Direction
- Set and track team goals for SWON to ensure progress and measure impact of legal services
- Promote team morale and momentum for achieving team goals and our general justice-oriented work
Legal Skills
- Support and assist staff attorneys and volunteers in representing tenants in court or in pretrial matters (e.g., answering a dispossessory filing, filing motions to set aside judgments, providing legal advice, etc.)
- Aid staff attorneys in screening legal matters for merit and placement with volunteers or staff attorneys
Administration, Management, and Support
- Supervise and manage 10+ employees, including 4 direct reports (3 staff attorneys and a community advocate manager).
- Manage partnerships with schools and organizations (e.g., MOUs, joint events).
- Build and maintain relationships with law firms and volunteers, providing support and training for pro bono legal help to tenants.
- Support staff attorneys in running community “Know Your Rights” programs and legal clinics.
- Participate in AVLF’s executive leadership team and attend directors' meetings.
- Approve staff time off, reimbursements, tenant financial assistance, and invoice payments.
- Handle HR matters (e.g., performance evaluations, promotions, hiring, onboarding, and staff concerns).
Director Requirements:
- JD degree and a license to practice law in Georgia with at least 10 years of relevant legal experience.
- Experience in tenant litigation, including defending and bringing cases, and negotiating with opposing parties.
- Strong commitment to social justice and providing legal services to low-income individuals or communities, through pro bono work or otherwise.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, comfortable with public speaking. Spanish proficiency is preferred but not required.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational, and analytical skills. Experience managing volunteers.
- Team player, able to work well with families, volunteers, and employees.
Benefits
AVLF provides generous fringe benefits, including paid holidays, significant time off including parental leave; health insurance, short and long-term disability insurance; option to participate in healthcare FSA and dependent care FSA, law school loan reimbursement up to $500 per month (after 3-month waiting period and subject to additional terms) 401k with 5% contributed by AVLF regardless of employee contribution and Georgia Bar dues and CLE expenses.
Working Conditions:
Fast-paced hybrid environment with work requiring multi-tasking, prioritizing, and strong communication skills. May spend time traveling to and from meetings with clients, community partners, and the AVLF office. There may also be required bending and prolonged sitting and/or standing.
Compensation details: 95000-105000 Yearly Salary
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