Position Announcement

Director, Pro Bono Programs

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc.

Baltimore, MD 

The Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP), a non-profit legal services and advocacy organization, seeks to hire a full-time attorney to direct its Pro Bono Programs.  Encompassing all of HPRP’s programs is the deep understanding that people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness struggle to access legal services offered in a traditional manner. The hallmark of HPRP’s legal program is its ability to reach clients where they live, eat, and spend time.  HPRP’s Pro Bono Programs leverage the resources of HPRP’s staff by recruiting, training, and mentoring volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and law students to complement the work of HPRP’s staff attorneys.  Particularly in these economic times, HPRP’s Pro Bono Programs provide the person power to assist the increasing number of persons seeking legal assistance to prevent homelessness or find housing. 

There are three types of pro bono programs at HPRP: 1) Community-Based Intake Program, in which HPRP volunteers conduct intake at shelters, soup kitchens and other community-based organizations and provide representation in legal areas that will directly eliminate or prevent homelessness; 2) Veterans’ Legal Assistance Project, in which volunteer attorneys receive cases by referral from HPRP and represent veterans in claims for service-connected disability benefits and discharge upgrades; and 3) Systemic Advocacy Projects, in which staff and volunteers pursue systemic solutions to homelessness. 

The Director of Pro Bono Programs is a leadership position at HPRP.  The Director’s work is closely linked to the work of the in-house Staff and the Director reports to the Executive Director.  HPRP’s Pro Bono Program is substantial and it encompasses the work of over 400 law students, paralegals, and attorneys to date.  HPRP’s law student program is unique; HPRP recruits and trains volunteer law students to conduct intake in 3 of HPRP’s off-site Intake Programs and holds quarterly reflection sessions for the students to discuss their experience.  HPRP operates Community-Based Intake Programs at Our Daily Bread Employment Center, The Franciscan Center, NAACP Satellite Office, My Sister’s Place, the Baltimore VA Medical Center Annex and the Helping Up Mission, all in Baltimore City, at Shepherd’s Table in Silver Spring, Montgomery County, and at the Chesapeake Health Education Program on the grounds of the Perry Point VA Medical Center in Cecil County.      

Responsibilities include:

• Recruiting, training, supervising, and retaining volunteer attorneys, paralegals and law students;
• Developing written materials for volunteers including registration materials, training manuals, etc.;

·      Maintaining the infrastructure necessary to monitor the work of the volunteer attorneys and provide on-going support and supervision to volunteers as needed;

·      Enhancing the law student volunteer opportunities by continuing to conduct quarterly reflection sessions and expanding the range of volunteer opportunities available to students;

• Maintaining HPRP’s existing off-site intake programs, including strong relationships with organizations hosting HPRP’s off-site legal clinics and establishing new locations for HPRP’s off-site legal program;

·      Conducting Know Your Rights and informational sessions at local shelters and other community-based programs on topics covered by HPRP’s Pro Bono Program;

• Representing HPRP in community programs and conference planning and programming including:

o   Maryland Veterans’ Legal Assistance Conference

o   The Partners for Justice Conference

o   The Pro Bono Coordinating Council

o   The Maryland State Bar Association Annual Meeting;

• Expanding the visibility of HPRP’s Pro Bono Program, including publicizing the program, and developing relationships with the private bar and government lawyers;
• Supporting Staff Attorneys working with volunteers and advising on the development of new pro bono programs related to the work of in-house attorneys, such as the Homeless Youth Law Project;
• Supervising the Pro Bono Coordinator, who establishes and monitors the off-site intake schedule, schedules volunteer trainings, and assists with data entry;
• Training and supervising law student and other interns during the summer and throughout the year as needed;
• Evaluating the effectiveness of HPRP’s off-site locations;
• Maintaining information about case activity and statistics, as well as volunteer information, in HPRP’s electronic database, and duplicate paper files of all volunteer cases;
• Participating in fundraising efforts, including working with Executive Director on grant applications, attending meetings with current and potential funders, and assisting with grant reports; and
• Working with the Executive Director and Office Administrator to plan the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and working with people in poverty;
• Prior experience representing clients in claims for VA service-connected disability or Social Security benefits;
• Ability to think strategically about expansion and visibility of HPRP’s volunteer program;
• Previous experience in program development and supervising volunteers;
• Minimum 5 years litigation experience (two semesters of experience in a litigation clinic as a law student will be considered equivalent to one year of litigation experience);
• Admitted to practice law in Maryland, or willing and eligible to sit for the next available Bar exam or Attorney’s Exam;
• Ease with computerized databases and producing reports on HPRP’s cases;
• Excellent written and oral skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Salary: DOE with excellent benefits: Full health coverage (medical, prescription, dental) for employee plus contribution toward family coverage; long-term disability; life; ability to contribute to HPRP’s 403(b) plan (employer supplemental salary contribution determined annually); Vacation (20 days), sick leave (10 days), personal days (3 days), holidays.  Some evening and weekend hours required; HPRP provides for a flexible work schedule.

To Apply:  E-MAIL resume, cover letter, a writing sample, and names and contact information of three references to jobs@hprplaw.org (and specify “Director Pro Bono Programs” in the subject line).  We are looking for thoughtful, personalized cover letters that demonstrate the applicant’s qualifications, work style and interest in being part of a team working to eliminate homelessness in Maryland.  Resume reviews begin immediately and applications will be accepted until position is filled.

HPRP is an equal opportunity employer.  All interested persons encouraged to apply regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, HIV status or religious affiliation.