The Colorado U.S. District Court Federal Pro Se Clinic (FPSC) and Colorado Pro Se Bankruptcy Clinic (BPSC) are dedicated to providing assistance to pro se litigants in federal court. These clinics are funded through a grant to the Colorado Bar Association (CBA). Through a unique partnership between the CBA and the federal courts, the FPSC promotes equal justice by giving all individuals, regardless of income, access to resources and information that will help them navigate the legal system in federal court. At CBA, we believe everyone should have access to justice, regardless of their means.

REPORTS TO: Reports directly to the Director of Pro Bono Programming, Colorado & Denver Bar Associations 

SALARY:  $95,000

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full- time 

JOB LOCATION: Alfred A.Arraj U.S. Courthouse, 901 19th St, Denver, CO 80294

How to apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to tnunez@denbar.org

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Managing Attorney to take the helm. The ideal candidate will be passionate about public service with a strong desire to promote access to justice. The Managing Attorney is responsible for overseeing all activities of the clinic, including developing, implementing, and monitoring the program’s delivery of legal services. Additionally, and because many of the FPSC’s legal services are delivered through volunteer attorneys, the Managing Attorney must be capable of developing strong relationships with attorneys in the community, and skilled at coordinating volunteer efforts.  The ideal candidate will also have some supervisory and/or leadership experience, as they will manage a small staff and implement systems and processes that make the delivery of legal services more efficient. Additionally, the Managing Attorney is often called upon to provide direct services to pro se litigants, therefore, the ideal candidate will be a capable litigator who is highly organized and has meaningful experience in federal court. 

THIS POSITION PRESENTS AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE PUBLIC WHILE FOSTERING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS ACROSS THE COLORADO LEGAL COMMUNITY, INCLUDING WITH JUDGES, COURT STAFF, AND THE FPSC ADVISORY COMMITTEE. IT IS ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY TO CAST A CREATIVE VISION FOR THE FUTURE AND EXPAND THE FPSC’S REACH, BY FOR EXAMPLE, EXPLORING NEW WAYS OF LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY, GENERATING IDEAS FOR GROWTH, AND FINDING NEW WAYS TO ENGAGE A GROWING NETWORK OF VOLUNTEERS. 

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN JOINING AN ALREADY ESTABLISHED AND SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM THAT HAS ROOM TO GROW AND WILL ALLOW YOU TO MAKE A LASTING IMPACT, APPLY TODAY!

SUMMARY JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

The position requires a J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school, admission to practice of law in the state of Colorado and U.S. District Court – District of Colorado, and no pending or actual censure, suspension, or disbarment in any jurisdiction. It is strongly preferred that the Managing Attorney have five years minimum experience in the practice of law, with some or all of that experience litigating in federal court. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manage and supervise all daily activities of the FPSC and BPSC.

2. Develop, implement, and maintain an efficient system of case assistance for pro se litigants, including overseeing the maintenance of a website with basic federal court legal information designed for pro se litigants and other members of the public.

3. Perform or verify intakes, provide legal advice, oversee and assist with placement of cases, assure client satisfaction, and answer client questions.

4. Recruit and retain volunteer lawyers to represent clients. Provide consultation with volunteer lawyers on legal issues relating to assigned cases as requested or required to assure satisfactory representation and quality control.

5. Supervise and train staff to perform all assigned responsibilities.

6. Develop and coordinate the operation of statistical data tracking and quality control mechanisms.

7. Assist with the preparation and submission of the annual budget to CBA’s Director of Pro Bono Programming; monitor and ensure adherence to budget.

8. Act as liaison with and foster good working relations with participating lawyers, FPSC Advisory Committee, courts and court staff to assure program effectiveness, and to customize program operations as appropriate or required to meet their needs.

9. Coordinate pro bono activities with lawyers.

10. Create and maintain a network of FPSC/BPSC volunteers, working with local law schools, Colorado Legal Services, and others as needed to coordinate that network and its responsibilities.

11. Keep abreast of legal issues encountered at the FPSC and train/mentor volunteers, as needed.

12. Provide information about the FPSC’s activities to the U.S. District Court, the CBA Executive Council, and FPSC’s Advisory Board, and prepare semi-annual reports about the FPSC’s activities for the same.

13. Partner with the CBA and the federal court to promote the FPSC/BPSC and keep its programs top of mind for lawyers, the court, and clients. 

14. Perform other duties as assigned.

15. To ensure stability and consistency within the program, a two-year commitment to the position is required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school, admission to practice law in state of Colorado and U.S. District Court – District of Colorado, and no pending or actual censure, suspension, or disbarment in any jurisdiction.

2. Prefer five years’ minimum practice of law in public or private sector, with experience in Federal Court litigating cases involving employment and/or civil rights.

3. Previous employment or volunteer experience performing legal services for low- and moderate-income people.

4. Excellent written, oral, and listening communications skills.

5. Excellent organizational and planning skills.

6. Previous supervisory experience preferred.

7. Experience in and demonstrated ability to interact with a wide variety of persons and constituencies with diverse economic, educational, racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

8. Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office, and database platforms.

BENEFITS:

• Medical Insurance: 100% employee covered with family/children option;

• Dental Insurance: Self-pay at group rates;

• Vision: Self-pay at group rates;

• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA): caps out of pocket expense at $2000;

• Group Life Insurance: employee coverage up to $50,000;

• Group Long-Term Disability Insurance: employee coverage up to $5,000;

• Paid Time Off: 15 days/year to start, 20 days/year after three years and 25 days/year after 10 years. In

addition, we also offer 12 paid holidays per year;

• 401(k): Annual contribution by the employer after one year of employment equal to 10% of your salary; you may also individually contribute; and

• Transportation/IT allowance.

 

Working Environment: Office environment, often shared with other staff, but the Managing Attorney has a dedicated office. Physical Activities: Majority of the time is office activity (sitting). Requires the ability to lift at least 20 lbs. Excellent work-life balance with flexibility around in-office hours, so long as legal services to the public are not compromised. 

Opportunities to introduce and work with new cutting-edge technology. Opportunities to work with the Federal Court judiciary and highly respected members of the legal community.

Colorado Bar Association is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job related qualifications and ability to perform a job, without regard to any protected class, including age, sex, race, color, veteran status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or national origin. It is our policy to promote a non-discriminatory environment, free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon protected classes.