THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SCHOOL OF LAW is seeking to hire an experienced Managing Attorney who can lead the administrative and legal operations of the Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic, an educational program of the Law School that also provides free legal aid to hundreds of Maine residents each year. The Managing Attorney will oversee the Clinic’s fiscal management, including budgeting and expenditures. The Managing Attorney will coordinate with Clinic and other Maine Law staff and faculty regarding the resources allocated for the Clinic; namely, education and general funding as well as external funding, including grant applications, compliance, and reporting. The Managing Attorney will supervise the Clinic’s administrative staff and collaborate with other Maine Law departments to promote and to ensure the smooth operation of the Clinic’s educational, public service, and law practice functions. In this position, the Managing Attorney will oversee the support of the Clinic’s law practice, in litigation, policy, and transactional settings. The Managing Attorney will work closely with the clinical faculty directors to support all aspects of the Clinic’s educational program, including curricular support and student relations. The Managing Attorney will represent the Clinic in external engagement with other legal aid organizations, Maine courts, the Maine legal community, the media, as well as nonprofit organizations and governmental entities. The Managing Attorney will report to the Director(s) of Clinical Programs. As a member of the Clinic’s management team, the Managing Attorney must be deeply committed to the social justice mission of the Clinic and promote a culture of collaboration, inclusion, excellence, and continual improvement. This is a 12-month non-faculty professional staff position.

Based on the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant, the annual salary range is $75,000-$80,000 plus a 10% employer contribution to the UMS retirement plan. Additional benefits include medical, dental, vision, and tuition waiver programs for employees and dependents. The UMS is a recipient of the Wellness Councils of America’s Well Workplace Award and offers a wellness program.

The first review of applications will begin January 3, 2022.  The position will remain open until a qualified candidate is hired.

University of Maine System:

 Established in 1968, the University of Maine System (UMS) unites six distinctive public universities, comprising 10 campuses and numerous centers, in the common purpose of providing quality higher education while delivering on its traditional tripartite mission of teaching, research, and public service. A comprehensive public institution of higher education, UMS serves more than 30,000 students annually and is supported by the efforts of more than 2,000 full-time and part-time faculty, more than 3,000 regular full-time and part-time staff, and a complement of part-time temporary (adjunct) faculty. Reaching more than 500,000 people annually through educational and cultural offerings, the University of Maine System also benefits from more than two-thirds of its alumni population residing within the state; more than 123,000 individuals. The System consists of six universities: The University of Maine (UMaine), including its regional campus the University of Maine at Machias (UMM); the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA); the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF); the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK), the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI); and the University of Southern Maine (USM).  The System also includes the University of Maine School of Law and the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center. 

University of Maine School of Law:

The University of Maine School of Law is the state’s public and only law school, a vital resource serving our local, regional, national, and global community. Maine Law is an institutional public servant committed to providing an accessible and affordable student-focused program of legal education and achieving the highest standards of ethical behavior. Our rigorous doctrinal and experiential curriculum, influential scholarship, and signature programming prepare students to practice law, promote respect for the rule of law, and advance justice for all members of society.

Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic:

The Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic, established in 1970 as a program of the University of Maine School of Law, is the umbrella organization housing four distinct live-client clinics. The Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic operates as a public interest law office within Maine Law in which clients are represented by “student attorneys,” law students specially licensed by the state and federal courts to provide legal services to low-income clients.  The student attorneys practice under the supervision of fully-licensed law faculty members.

The Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic provides free legal aid to low-in­come individuals and families in Maine. The Clinic is a defining pro­gram of Maine Law, providing practical skills training for students, and helping fulfill the school’s long-standing commit­ment to social justice. The Clinic is divided into four programs: General Practice, Pris­oner Assistance, Juvenile Justice, and Refugee and Human Rights. Students in all of those areas also participate in the Protection from Abuse Program, representing victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking.

For information about the University of Maine System's COVID-19 response and guidelines for employees, please visit: https://www.maine.edu/together/.

Qualifications:

Key Responsibilities:

Supervise and direct the legal administrative staff and provide leadership to achieve the Clinic’s goals and vision. Responsible for staff hiring, retention, career coaching, and personal development.

Manage, in collaboration with the Director(s) of Clinical Programs and the Administrative Manager, the Clinic’s annual operating budget cycle. Review and approve Clinic finances.

Oversee grants, including applications, data collection, reporting and other compliance requirements.

Identify and pursue new funding opportunities as they present themselves, including working with other legal aid providers for expanded state funding, such as through legislative campaigns.

Manage external-facing communications and relations, in collaboration with the Director(s) of Clinical Programs, including, e.g., drafting of annual report, working with the Law School’s Communication Director on media relations; attending legal aid provider meetings; representing the Clinic at bar meetings, receptions, and other events.

Ensure that the Clinic works effectively with other Maine Law departments such as facilities, human resources, events/communications, IT, and finance.

Interface, as needed, with Clinic clients and nonprofit partners.

Interpret, implement, and ensure compliance with university academic and administrative policies and procedures. Recommend new internal policies, guidelines and procedures.

Promote the Clinic’s educational, client-facing, and public service missions within Maine Law.

 

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications:

JD required, with Maine bar license or eligibility to obtain one preferred;

Law practice experience (5 or more years preferred), preferably in a non-profit or legal aid setting or providing indigent defense;

Experience with non-profit organizations, as a volunteer, board member, or employee, preferred;

Experience with management and supervision;

Excellent writing and communication skills;

Attention to detail and accuracy;

Strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills;

Demonstrated commitment to experiential learning and access to justice; and

Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of professional life.

Other Information:

Materials must be submitted via "Apply For Position" below. You will need to create an applicant profile and complete an application which includes contact information for three references and upload:

1) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position

2) a resume/curriculum vitae

 

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

The University of Maine System is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Office of Equal Opportunity, University of  Maine, 101 North Stevens Hall, Orono, ME  04469 207-581-1226.  TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Apply for the position at this link.