The Deputy Director for Pro Bono Initiatives is a senior leadership position responsible for setting the strategic direction and managing the growth and day-to-day operations of Gulfcoast Legal Services’ Pro Bono Program. This role expands and strengthens pro bono partnerships to support the delivery of high-quality legal services to underserved communities through volunteer attorneys, co-counsel arrangements, and related initiatives. The Deputy Director directly supervises staff within the Pro Bono Unit, including attorneys, paralegals, Client Service Specialists, and intake attorneys involved in pro bono workflows. This position aligns intake, case placement, and volunteer capacity, while maintaining quality control and accountability across matters. The Deputy Director also serves as a primary external representative of GLS pro bono efforts, engaging the legal community, courts, bar associations, and community partners to increase pro bono participation and strengthen service networks. The ideal candidate is a solution-oriented leader with strong management, legal, and relationship-building skills, able to balance strategic planning with hands-on operational oversight.
LEADERSHIP AND EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT EXPECTATIONS:
The Deputy Director for Pro Bono Initiatives is the primary driver of pro bono relationship development and program growth. In addition to internal management responsibilities, the role is expected to:
- Serve as the agency’s lead for pro bono community engagement by developing and maintaining partnerships with attorneys, law firms, bar associations, courts, and community stakeholders.
- Maintain an active external presence by participating in community meetings, coalitions, outreach events, and stakeholder convenings to identify and develop pro bono opportunities.
- Represent GLS in external forums related to access to justice and volunteer attorney engagement to expand referral networks and service capacity.
- Translate community engagement into program growth, including volunteer recruitment, case placement, co-counsel opportunities, and clinic expansion.
- Oversee intake, case placement, and volunteer attorney engagement to ensure alignment with program priorities and capacity.
- Ensure effective onboarding, assignment, and oversight of volunteer attorneys through ongoing relationship management and quality assurance.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide direct supervision and management of all personnel assigned to the Pro Bono Unit, including training, performance oversight, and accountability for case handling.
- Oversee intake operations, including supervision of Intake Attorneys (who provide advice and counsel only and limited representation) and Client Service Specialists assigned to pro bono workflows, to ensure timely screening, accurate issue spotting, effective case management, and appropriate case routing.
- Monitor intake metrics and workflows (e.g., volume, turnaround time, and conversion to case placements) and implement improvements as needed.
- Develop and monitor GLS pro bono projects, including limited-scope or full representation, legal clinics, co-counsel arrangements, and impact litigation.
- Responds to the legal needs of clients through the provision of direct legal assistance.
- Identify and report on emerging or novel areas of law based on client and community needs, in collaboration with leadership.
- Assists programmatic units seeking attorneys’ fees as allowable.
- Assist in the development, coordination, and presentation of substantive law trainings to private bar attorneys.
- Actively engage in trainings, community outreach events, and meetings concerning pro bono and participate in pro bono working groups/committees.
- Design and implement a quality control system for volunteer-assigned cases, in alignment with grant requirements.
- Coordinate with administration to ensure grant performance and match requirements are met.
- Collaborate with the Grants & Resource Development Manager to highlight outstanding volunteers in GLS communications.
- Provide updates to the CEO and CAO on unit needs and represent the unit in leadership meetings, as requested.
- Performs other duties as discussed with the CEO and CAO.
BASIC STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:
- Satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
- Compliance with all Gulfcoast Legal Services policies and procedures.
- Familiarity with and adherence to the organization’s mission.
- Excellent understanding and implementation of trauma-informed legal services.
- Satisfactory completion of duties and responsibilities of the position as required by management and supervisors.
- Perform related work as required and fill in for positions above and below, as needed, in the event of staffing shortages.
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written, are required.
- Ability to deal professionally, courteously, and efficiently with people.
- Demonstrated experience with and commitment to working with clients who have experienced trauma.
- Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate activities; collaborate with government agencies, community groups, and other organizations as needed; communicate effectively in writing and verbally; and exercise independent judgment in developing, implementing, and evaluating plans, procedures, and policies.
- Demonstrated solution-based leadership skills.
- Ability to work on various projects while balancing different priorities.
- Ability to work overtime and non-business hours as required to complete assignments and/or meet client needs.
PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- A commitment to the provision of high-quality legal services to under- and unserved populations and the mission and vision of Gulfcoast Legal Services.
- Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
- Florida Bar membership and eligibility to practice law in the State of Florida.
- No action and/or disciplinary measure taken by the Florida Bar preferred.
- At least five (5) years as a licensed, practicing attorney preferred, preferably with at least one year of experience in a legal aid, government, or nonprofit setting. Other relevant experience may be considered.
- Reliable transportation for work-related travel.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to lift and/or carry office supplies, equipment, files, etc. up to 10 pounds.
- Ability to work overtime when required.
- Ability to travel within service areas frequently.
Gulfcoast Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. Salary starting at $82,400/yr depending on experience. We offer an excellent benefits package, 2% retirement match, generous paid time off, the opportunity to work from home up to 2 days a week, a 37.5 hour work week and professional development CLE payment assistance. Attorneys may also qualify for the Loan Repayment Assistance Program through the Florida Bar Foundation of up to $10,000 yearly, as well as Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs. Candidate must complete an application and pass a background screening before employment can begin.
GLS provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, GLS will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From $82,400.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bradenton, FL 34205
