Legal Career Center

Overview

The Assistant Director, Pro Bono and Public Interest Development is responsible for designing and managing Catholic Law’s Pro Bono Program. In addition, the person in this role will counsel students regarding legal careers and opportunities, including internships, fellowships, and post-graduate careers geared toward public interest positions.

Responsibilities

• Support law school’s learning objective to ensure graduates develop an ethos of public service and commitment to pro bono work. Conduct outreach to students emphasizing the importance of pro bono as a professional responsibility, moral obligation, and professional development opportunity.
• Create and maintain a database of pro bono legal service opportunities that are shared with students, advise students regarding pro bono placements, and track student participation, with a goal of recognizing their service.
• Conduct outreach and develop relationships with legal service providers, public interest organizations, government agencies, faculty, and alumni to solicit a wide range of pro bono legal services varying by time, subject matter, commitment level and time of day.
• Organize and communicate pro bono training programs and opportunities.
• Advise students regarding summer and post-graduate public interest fellowships and provide guidance regarding the application process, including funding for such opportunities.
• Advise students regarding public interest opportunities available during law school and post-graduation, including judicial clerkships.
• Review resumes, cover letters and conduct mock interviews as needed to prepare students for professional opportunities.
• Organize educational programs and career fairs emphasizing employment opportunities available to students interested in a career in public interest.
• Manage diversity, equity, and inclusion professional development opportunities for students and serve as the related point of contact for employers. Advise students about diversity and inclusion opportunities and support students in the application process.
• Represent the law school at various events, career fairs, workshops, and conferences as assigned. Develop a network of law school pro bono and public interest professionals.
• Coordinate with the Assistant Dean for Academic and Bar Support to educate students on pro bono requirements for admission to the bar.
• Assist Assistant Dean of Office of Career and Professional Development on projects as needed.

Qualifications

J.D. required with two (2) to three (3) years of practical legal experience preferred, ideally for a public interest employer or with experience with pro bono service; previous career advising experience a plus. Experience advising on fellowship applications is preferred.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong organizational and communication skills required. Ability to work under pressure in an extremely busy environment; knowledge of job search strategies related to public interest critical. Familiarity with Symplicity a plus. Ability to work some evenings.