Administration Director and General Counsel

Organization Overview: Our mission at Utah Legal Services (ULS) is to provide high-quality civil legal aid without cost to people experiencing disadvantages or who are unable to afford legal representation, ensuring meaningful access to equal justice and promoting stability, safety, and protection. Our vision is for Utahns to effectively advocate for their rights and have access to legal representation regardless of their financial situation or personal circumstances.

Equal Justice Under Law is one of our nation’s most basic principles. However, economic realities often leave these promises unfulfilled. Since our inception as a nonprofit in 1976, ULS has remained committed to making equal justice a reality. Last year, ULS assisted over 9,000 clients with legal issues related to their basic needs, such as housing, family safety, and income security. More than 70 attorneys and legal professionals, working remote and in person, deliver client services from four regional offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and St. George. Join our team and help safeguard equal justice so that everyone has a voice in the legal system.

Position Summary: This is a professional position with significant responsibility for ensuring effective management of administration, grants, program compliance, funding usage, and outreach. In partnership with the Executive Director and other members of the Utah Statewide Support Unit (SSU) executive team, Administration Director and General Counsel will focus on administrative and operational effectiveness, supporting community outreach effots and pro bono strategies, and review of agency contracts, policies, and agreements.

High Priority Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and implement best practices to improve internal administration and operations.
• Manage ULS compliance with Legal Services Corporation regulations, nonprofit administration, and all grant conditions, terms, requirements, and funding restrictions.
• Monitor internal and external operational, administrative, and legal risk to develop appropriate risk management strategies and respond to concerns.
• Develop, administer, and manage grant and fundraising priorities, proposals, and goals. This includes timely submission of applications and grant reports, as well as monitoring progress towards these goals.
• Manage Private Attorney Involvement (“PAI”) in partnership with the Pro Bono Director and the Clinics and Outreach Manager to ensure compliance with LSC requirements.
• Mentor development team and pro bono staff to develop effective ULS ambassadors who are skilled in outreach, supporting community partners, and meeting ULS funding goals.
• Review and give advice and counsel regarding ULS contracts, agreements, policies, and procedures to the Executive Director. This includes but is not limited to private attorney contracts, insurance policies, and vendor agreements.
• Give advice and counsel to the HR Manager and IT Manager as needed and requested.
• Provide fiscal support including review and approval of time slips, payroll, deposits, and signing checks, as needed.
• Attend Statewide Support Unit meetings, ULS Board and committee meetings, full staff meetings, and other meetings as required.
• Assist with “and Justice for all” events.
• Serve on community committees that align with ULS’s mission and goals, as approved.
• Create a supportive atmosphere and work environment by maintaining courteous, professional, and effective working relationships with ULS staff, community stakeholders, and clients.
• Assists the Executive Director and SSU team with special projects, assignments, and any other duties as needed.

Qualifications:

• Excellent leadership skills and a commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of Utah Legal Services.
• Commitment to serving people with lower incomes or who are experiencing disadvantages, including the ability to identify and respond to shifting trends in legal practices and policies that affect them.
• Member in good standing of the Utah State Bar, or ability to become a member within an agreed-upon time.
• Minimum five years legal experience as a practicing attorney, preferably in one of ULS’s core case service areas, and three years of management supervisory experience.
• Superior management and training skills required.
• Superior oral and written communication skills required.
• Experience as lead counsel in complex state and/or federal litigation preferred.

Salary Range: $95 - $100K depending on experience and qualifications. Full benefits package in addition to salary (health, dental, vision, retirement, disability, life insurance).

Job Factors/Physical Requirements:

• This is primarily an on-site position at the Utah Legal Services Salt Lake City office. Limited hybrid work is negotiable. Periodic travel is required. All hybrid/remote employees must comply with ULS Remote Work Policy.
  
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at a time.

Utah Legal Services believes that equal opportunity of all employees is essential for the continuing success of our organization. In accordance with state and federal law, this nonprofit will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, disability, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, demoting, trainings, benefits, transfers, layoffs, terminations, recommendations, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.

If you need any reasonable accommodation during the application process or interview process, please contact Courtney Eborn at ceborn@utahlegalserivces.org or call 801-924-3391

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. No contact, either express or implied, respecting the procedures, terms, conditions, or duration of employment is created by this Job Description.