The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law seeks a Managing Director for its Clinical Law Program.
The Managing Director is a critical member of the Clinical Law Program's management team. The Program operates as a law firm. Students and attorneys in the Program provide over 110,000 hours of free legal services each year throughout Maryland. The students are admitted to practice law pursuant to Maryland's state and federal student practice rules, supervised by professors and other supervising attorneys.
This position oversees and/or monitors all aspects related to law firm management, including supervising paralegals and support staff; overseeing administrative matters related to the Program; managing records related to the Program's law practice-related bank accounts; interacting with clinic students, faculty and staff; being available to students for consultation when faculty are not available (particularly related to practice-related emergencies); and sharing responsibility for the integrity and vision of the Program.
Responding to the needs of faculty and 100+ student-attorneys who practice in the Program each semester is a regular staple of the job. The Managing Director is the administrative anchor of the Program and is expected to use her/his legal expertise in client service, case management and law practice administration to help ensure that the highest level of client service is delivered, that the law firm runs efficiently and that the overall Program remains on the cutting edge of delivering legal services to individuals, families and communities who otherwise lack access to counsel. The Managing Director works closely with the professors and attorneys in the Clinical Law Program. He/she reports directly to the Co-Directors of the Clinical Law Program.
Essential Functions:
Manages administrative support personnel in alignment with the Clinical Law Program's objectives in order to promote maximum staff member benefit and effectiveness as well as overall organization and productivity. Conducts annual performance evaluations of administrative support personnel.
Manages the day-to-day operations of the Clinical Law Program, in consultation with the Co-Directors. Researches issues related to law firm management and presents ideas and proposals for faculty consideration and vote. Develops and implements administrative procedures to support all aspects of clinical law practice including communication, file maintenance, archiving and personnel.
Coordinates (and may help present) the Student-Attorney Training programs at the beginning of each semester, in consultation with faculty and the Co-Directors of the Clinical Law Program. Manages and helps develop content for the Clinical Law Program's law practice Blackboard page.
Manages student admission to practice law in Maryland's state and federal courts. Assists Co-Directors with advising students on course selection, data collection and case management.
Manages and coordinates the transition of cases semester to semester to ensure continuation of client services. Also ensures continuity of client representation over holiday and summer breaks as needed.
Gathers and analyzes data required by malpractice insurance carrier. Responds to requests for data information from the law school's administration, other clinical law programs and public and private agencies.
Gathers data needed for grant applications and evaluation. Maintains records relating to the budget including Clinical Law Program's expenditures and expenses. Assists with management of grants and proposal development.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Possesses a thorough knowledge of position requirements and is able to perform position in compliance with all requirements/regulations/laws. Ability to maintain high standards with the work being performed and maintain awareness with trends and influences. Assumes personal responsibility for all outcomes; makes effective and timely decisions; and learns how to effectively use technology. Maintains productivity and uses knowledge strategies to increase knowledge base.
Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Writes and presents information in a clear and concise way. Interprets and understands written information and is able to listen attentively to verbal and non-verbal cues that lead to a deeper understanding.
Ability to work cooperatively with others and demonstrates professional, ethical, respectful, and courteous behavior when interacting with others. Demonstrate pleasant and positive interactions with other to meet customer expectations, and provide follow up with customers. Reaches compromise and consensus to influence and negotiate. Remains calm and is able to manage conflict, and works well with a diverse workforce. Approachable style allows others to be open in sharing thoughts and ideas.
Demonstrate computer literacy with a focus on law practice management applications.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: J.D. Degree; admission to the Maryland Bar.
Experience: Three (3) years of experience managing a small to large firm or equivalent organization, including experience working with clients.
Hiring Range: Commensurate with education and experience
Closing Deadline: 11/29/2015
Original Posting Date: 10/28/2015
If accommodations are needed, contact Staffing & Career Services at 410-706-7171, Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm EST. Maryland Relay can be accessed by dialing 711 (in-state) or 1-800-735-2258.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.