Employment Opportunities

Deputy Director

Position Title: Senior Deputy Director
Employment Status: Full-Time; Exempt
Location: Memphis
Supervisor: Executive Director

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Deputy Director is responsible for overall management and implementation of the client services at Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc. Administrative responsibilities include the implementation of strategic planning efforts and grant objectives, investigating and resolving client complaints and grievances, program development, program implementation contract compliance, and program evaluation.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assume responsibilities of Executive Director and assume position of Acting Executive Director, when requested by the Executive Director or by MALS Board of Directors.

Compliance and External Administration

• In conjunction with executive director engage in oversight of compliance issues related to major Federal and State funding sources such as Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and IOLTA, and the LSC compliance portion of the annual
• Oversee updating of MALS Administrative Manual, policies, protocols, and
• Serve as advisor to the Executive Director regarding administrative
• Coordinate implementation of strategic
• Promote and implement firmwide policies, protocols, and
• Attend MALS Board meetings and provide reports and recommendations as needed; be available to participate in meetings of committees and subcommittees of the Board.

Public Relations

• Assist the Executive Director in cultivating funding
• Represent MALS at local, state and national level meetings in coordination with or in lieu of the Executive Director.

Internal (Staff) Administration

• Ensure proper communication of management decisions to all
• Plan and facilitate management staff meetings, as
• Oversee evaluation of firm programming and office functions in conjunction with Executive Director. In conjunction with the Executive Director, review staff evaluations and file reviews, and provide reports and recommendations. Investigate and resolve client complaints and grievances. Facilitate a close working relationship among the 2 offices, through quarterly visits
• Assume managerial and supervisory responsibility, as requested by the Executive Director.
• Assists in the hiring of new staff in consultation with the Executive Director and/or Managing Attorneys

Training

• Coordinate with the Executive Director and Managing Attorneys on annual training plans and staff training conferences.
• Assist the Executive Director in public relations activities as
• Oversee implementation of program mission and work plans, as assigned by Executive Director.
• Coordinate and identify administrative training needs of staff and assists in the development of annual training programs for staff, and evaluations subject to approval of Executive Director.
• Make recommendations concerning approval of external training

General MALS

• Participate in All Staff meetings, Directors meetings and managing attorneys’ meetings as requested.
• Participate on internal committees, work groups, and other efforts to promote and improve MALS operations.
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with office
• Comply with program policies and regulations of the Legal Services Corporation and other funders.
• Comply with relevant portions of the Legal Services Corporation’s Performance Criteria and with the American Bar Association’s Standards for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid.
• Comply with all applicable organizational, professional, and legal requirements for confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Executive

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• Admitted to practice law in Tennessee, eligible for admission through reciprocity, or willing to take first available Tennessee bar examination.
• Minimum 7 years practice of
• Minimum 7 years of experience in policy administration or management of an office, firm, company, or non-profit organization.
• Experience with grant compliance
• Intermediate to expert skills in Microsoft Office (specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Superior oral and written communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and shift
• Must have driver’s license and access to

Success Factors:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the principle of equal justice and to advocacy for low-income people.
• Treat clients, staff and the public with dignity and
• Appreciate the experiences and needs of people of diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrate a personal sense of
• Take ownership of projects and produce solid work
• Work as a member of a team and independently including willingness to help others (cooperative) and share knowledge, information, contacts, and
• Address issues in a timely
• Use a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and sound
• Handle and prioritize multiple, competing

 

Working Conditions:

• Work during office hours between 8:30 m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work after hours or on weekends may be occasionally required.
• Work is performed primarily in an office setting and at outreach
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Often communicating with people using the phone, email, via video call, or in
• Occasionally lift up to 15
• Travel within the MALS service area may be
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee.

MALS is an E.O.E.

Staff Attorney

Memphis Area Legal Services is seeking an attorney with strong litigation, analytical, and organizational skills to provide legal representation to eligible clients in its rural office located in Covington, TN.

Reporting to the Managing Attorney of the Covington office, the Staff Attorney will be responsible for providing high quality legal services to qualified individuals and groups under MALS’ guidelines and substantive priority areas.

• Law degree; admitted to the Tennessee Bar or eligible based upon reciprocity
• Excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to listen well
• 2 to 5 years of legal experience preferred

Salary DOE with excellent benefits, including 401(K).  Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, writing sample, and resume to HR@malsi.org

MALS is an E.O.E.

Paralegal

Memphis Area Legal Services is seeking two (2) Paralegals with strong administrative, analytical, and organizational skills to conduct interviews of clients, including home visits when appropriate, assist in advising clients; and perform all other case management duties.

The Paralegals will be responsible for and/or assists in the provision of high-quality client legal services to qualified individuals and groups under MALS’ guidelines and substantive priority areas. Conducts legal research; prepare and draft legal documents, pleadings, letters, case memos and referral memoranda as appropriate.

Applicants should have:

• A bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or graduate of a paralegal training program
• At least one year of experience as a paralegal
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong work ethic and excellent organizational skills with diligence
• Excellent people skills
• Spanish speaking a plus

Excellent benefits, including 401(k). MALS is an E.O.E.

Interested candidates, please send cover letter and resume to: HR@malsi.org