Pro Bono Coordinator (Attorney)

Pro Bono Network (PBN) is a nonprofit agency located in Oak Park, Illinois, whose mission is to empower volunteer attorneys to meet the unserved legal needs of low-income people. We work with legal aid agencies throughout Cook and the collar counties, structuring projects to match the needs of our volunteers; more information can be found at www.pbnetwork.org. We have a flexible, collaborative and supportive work environment, and PBN is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff and encourages people of color, individuals who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, and people with disabilities to apply.

This is a 40 hour per week full-time hybrid position, with a minimum of two days in the office per week. The annual salary will be $65,000-$75,000 with a comprehensive benefits package as described below. Occasional evening and weekend hours will be required.

Position Description: The Pro Bono Coordinator position will be part of PBN’s Programming Department, and will report to the Pro Bono Director. This position will expand legal services by recruiting and supporting pro bono attorneys from the local community as well as private law firms, bar associations and affinity groups. The Pro Bono Coordinator will also organize and manage some of the PBN current project offerings and will be a part of the creation of new volunteer opportunities. This position is ideal for someone who is looking to utilize their legal training in a nontraditional manner to drive high impact partnerships with pro bono volunteers. An ideal candidate would be a highly organized and creative problem solver who can effectively manage large projects.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal:

• Collaborate with PBN’s Pro Bono Director to plan, staff and oversee pro bono projects.
• Develop a basic familiarity with a variety of legal issues, including but not limited to family law, immigration, elder law, and criminal record expungement.
• Manage and supervise legal clinics, providing representation when a pro bono volunteer is not available.
• Provide case support to pro bono attorneys handling PBN cases.
• Manage and update pro bono opportunities listed on PBN’s website and within our volunteer recruitment platform, and maintain case information in the case management database.

Outreach/Recruitment:

• Develop and implement an annual volunteer outreach plan, with thoughtful strategies and compelling messages, including a plan to increase the pool of diverse attorneys.
  • Develop and oversee our annual open house/volunteer recruitment event.
• Establish and strengthen relationships with local community groups, bar associations, affinity groups, and law firms to recruit and retain attorneys to engage in pro bono projects.
• Develop and conduct Continuing Legal Education presentations and trainings in an effort to increase volunteer involvement.
• Represent Pro Bono Network at outreach, recruitment and community events.
• Develop resource materials and toolkits for new volunteers in collaboration with the Operations and Development Associate.
• Draft articles for legal publications and write-ups of pro bono events.

Recognition/Retention:

• Develop and implement a volunteer retention and recognition plan.
• Organize and manage regular outreach with current volunteers, in collaboration with the Operations and Development Associate.
• Create and execute recognition events throughout the year for our volunteers, including, but not limited to annual volunteer appreciation and national pro bono week events.
• Analyze current trends in our volunteer population and conduct surveys as necessary to determine volunteer satisfaction.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Licensed attorney, preferably with 2-3 years of work experience in a non-profit or legal setting.
• Creativity in identifying new opportunities/communities to engage new volunteers.
• Strong writing and public speaking skills.
  • Comfort in networking opportunities, going into small law firms and sharing about PBN, meeting in small and large group settings to share opportunities.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the needs of low-income persons, with a sensitivity to the complexity of the issues they face, and with an awareness of and commitment to diversity.
• Ability to interact effectively with a variety of people including senior professionals and low-income clients.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also able to work independently and exercise resourcefulness and initiative in the execution of projects and tasks.
• Ability to meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
• Volunteer recruitment experience is a plus.

Benefits: PBN offers paid time off, paid holidays, medical insurance, access to a retirement plan, monthly cell phone reimbursement, twelve weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment, and is an eligible employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Application Process: Please email resume and cover letter with the subject “Application: PBN Pro Bono Coordinator” to info@pbnetwork.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the position is filled, ideally within the first quarter of 2025.

By joining Pro Bono Network, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make legal assistance accessible to all. If you are passionate about volunteerism and social justice, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.