EATJ Legal Support Center Supervising Attorney

Agency

Administrative Office of the Courts

Division

EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION

Job Classification Title

Project Coordinator (NS)

Position Number

65026643

Grade

30012901

About Us

DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.

Description of Work

SALARY: $70,000 - $98,000

The Commission, which is chaired by North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby, was established in November 2005, by a North Carolina Supreme Court Order. The Commission was established in recognition of the need to expand civil legal representation for people of low income and modest means in North Carolina. Among the purposes of the commission are unmet legal needs assessment, statewide strategic planning, coordination of efforts between the legal aid organizations and other legal and non-legal organizations, resource development, and expanding civil access to justice.

Mission Statement: The Wake County Legal Support Center is committed to increasing access to justice for the residents of Wake County by serving as a pivotal resource for self-represented litigants. Our mission is fulfilled through the provision of legal forms, information packets, partnership with local organizations, and the facilitation of free legal clinics.

The Equal Access to Justice Legal Support Center Supervising Attorney is responsible for the daily operations of WCLSC and LH, including direct supervision of all staff. Prior experience supervising staff is required. While the Supervising Attorney will not provide legal advice or representation, they will play a central role in representing both programs to stakeholders and equipping staff and volunteers to connect the community with legal information, resources, and referrals.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Primary responsibilities for this EATJ Legal Support Center Supervising Attorney position include but are not limited to the following: 

Supervision and Operations

• Directly supervise WCLSC staff and the LH Center Manager.
• Oversee daily operations for WCLSC and the LH Call-In Center, providing backup and support as needed.
• Equip staff and volunteers to connect community members with legal information, resources, and referrals.

Program Strategy and Development

• Identify unmet legal needs of self-represented litigants and Legal Hand visitors and develop strategies to address them.
• Oversee, evaluate, and develop legal information, resources, and referrals across both programs, including:
• Information packets, Guide and File access, and eFiling assistance at the Wake County courthouse.
• Legal information resources in the Legal Hand Helper database
• Track program outcomes and report on data to evaluate impact, inform strategy, and support funders and stakeholders.
• Share best practices and lessons learned between WCLSC and Legal Hand.

Partnerships

• Work with the Director of Strategic Engagement and Partnerships to build and maintain relationships with community partners, legal services organizations, and bar associations to expand services and referral options for program visitors.
• Work with judges, magistrates, the Clerk of Superior Court’s office and courthouse staff to coordinate resources and services for self-represented litigants.

Administration and Funding

• Manage the program budget.
• Support grant applications and reporting.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Director of Strategic Engagement and Partnerships at the NC Equal Access to Justice Commission.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: 

• Civil legal aid, access to justice issues, and the challenges faced by self-represented litigants
• North Carolina court structure, procedures, and civil filing processes, including eFiling
• Legal information resources, forms, and the difference between legal information and legal advice
• Nonprofit and public-sector program management, budgeting, and grant administration
• Community-based legal service models and referral networks

Skills in: 

• Supervising, training, and developing staff and volunteers
• Program planning, evaluation, and outcomes tracking, including data collection and reporting
• Budget management and grant writing or reporting
• Written and verbal communication, including presenting to funders, stakeholders, and the public
• Building and maintaining partnerships with courts, community organizations, legal services providers, and bar associations
• Using databases, case or content management systems, and standard office software

Ability to: 

• Supervise staff directly and oversee daily operations of two programs 
• Identify unmet legal needs and develop practical strategies to address them
• Distinguish between providing legal information and legal advice, and train others to do the same
• Work collaboratively with judges, court staff, clerks, and community partners
• Analyze program data and translate it into reports that inform strategy and satisfy funders
• Manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing needs, and provide backup coverage as needed
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with diverse populations, including people with low incomes and limited legal knowledge
• Work independently and take direction from the Director of Strategic Engagement and Partnerships

Supplemental and Contact Information:

INSTRUCTIONS:
 

Applicants must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Before applying, please read the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings.

It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit. Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.

*NOTE* Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application before submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.

All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
 

Dominikii Coleman

NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division

http://www.nccourts.gov/about/about-judicial-branch/careers

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school and an active license to practice law in North Carolina.

Management Preferences:

• At least 2–3 years of direct supervisory experience managing staff (not solely volunteers), including responsibility for hiring, performance management, and day-to-day oversight.

• Ability to work some evening and weekend hours as needed.

Strongly Preferred:

• Experience coordinating and supervising volunteer projects.

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and experience working with people of diverse lived experiences (income, language, race/ethnicity, urban/rural) to facilitate access to justice.

• Ability to proactively problem-solve and improve processes related to operations, technology, and personnel.

• Knowledge of issues related to poverty law and the indigent population in North Carolina, and comfort with computer technology.

Must provide a résumé and cover letter.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Dominikii C Coleman

Email:

[email protected]