Clinical Legal Director

JOB PURPOSE: 

The purpose of this position is to serve as the managing attorney and legal director for the Clinical Law programs at Howard University School of Law.  In collaboration with the Director of the Clinical Law Center and other staff, the incumbent will manage the legal operations for 10 live-client clinics improving client services, student growth and operational efficiency.  

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: 

This position does not have any direct reports, but will work in collaboration with the Assistant Director and Program Coordinator. 

NATURE AND SCOPE: 

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, staff and students in the School of Law and other University departments.  External contacts include government officials and a myriad of law affiliated institutions, agencies, and organizations, vendors, clinic clients, alumni, sponsor representatives, visitors and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

• In collaboration with the Director of the Clinical Law Center and clinic staff, manage the legal operations for the Clinical Law Center, including ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, managing conflict checks and improving all systems related to law practice management. 

• Improve and update all law practice policies, handbooks, procedures, systems and trainings to help improve client outcomes and student learning. 

• Work with the Director of the Clinical Law Center and clinic staff to support all clinical faculty in docket management, pedagogy development, file management/retention client communication and other legal tasks. 

• Work with the Director of the Clinical Law Center, clinic staff and clinic faculty to improve client outcomes and student learning. 

• Leverage partnerships across the university and externally to benefit programs, clients and students. 

• Collaborate on grant writing as needed. 

• Collaborate with the Assistant Director in budget management and operational tasks. 

• Train faculty, staff and students on policies and procedures of the Clinical Law Center. 

• Collaborate with Clinic Director and others on external communications to raise the profile of the Clinical Law Center’s work. 

• Collaborate with the Clinic Director on managing the Civil Rights SCOTUS moot program. 

• Perform special projects and other duties assigned by Clinical Law Center leadership. 

CORE COMPETENCIES:  

• Excellent lawyering and law practice management skills. 

• Demonstrated experience in performing programmatic duties at a high level in a legal environment. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Demonstrated attention to detail. 

• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines and deliver quality customer services. 

• Ability to represent the Clinic in a professional and exceptional manner. 

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, civil and human rights, and working with a diverse group of constituencies. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

JD plus at least 6 years of relevant legal experience required. 

Experience serving as an attorney or legal director in a legal services organization or Clinical Law Center strongly preferred.  Experience with law practice management is also preferred.