Job Description

Description:

Unit Director, Client Access & Pro Bono

UNIT/PROGRAM:

Access

FSLA STATUS:

Exempt

REPORTS TO:

Director of Compliance & Operations

Created/Updated:

November 2025

Position Summary

The

Director of Client Access, Self-Help, and Pro Bono Services

is a senior leadership position responsible for advancing Legal Aid of Nebraska's statewide strategy to ensure equitable access to civil legal services. This role integrates Legal Aid's key access-to-justice functions -- Access and Community Engagement, Intake and Coordinated Service Delivery, Self-Help Services, and Pro Bono and Volunteer Engagement -- under one unified vision.


The Director provides strategic oversight and program leadership, ensuring Legal Aid's access systems are efficient, inclusive, and client-centered. The role involves leading the development of outreach partnerships, managing intake operations, overseeing self-help and assisted legal services, and strengthening pro bono engagement statewide.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership and Program Design

Develop and lead a unified, statewide access-to-justice framework that integrates intake, self-help, pro bono, and outreach services. Implement strategic plans to promote equitable access through partnerships, community engagement, and referral systems. Collaborate with executive leadership and unit directors to align access and service delivery priorities. Identify and apply innovative technologies to improve access, triage, and service coordination. Establish and monitor program goals, outcomes, and metrics in alignment with Legal Aid's mission and funder expectations.

Community Engagement and External Partnerships

Oversee statewide community outreach and engagement strategies to expand equitable access to services. Foster partnerships with law schools, firms, bar associations, and civic organizations to build Nebraska's pro bono and access-to-justice infrastructure. Represent Legal Aid on committees, commissions, and task forces to advocate for systemic access improvements.

Intake and Coordinated Service Delivery

Oversee centralized intake operations to ensure quality, consistency, and accessibility across all platforms (phone, online, and walk-in). Develop and implement intake policies, procedures, and training that ensure efficient and equitable service delivery. Collaborate with substantive unit directors to coordinate case triage and referrals. Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) intake requirements.

Self-Help and Access to Justice Oversight

Supervise and support the Self-Help Coordinator and related staff. Lead the development and maintenance of self-help resources, including online tools, forms, and handbooks. Ensure consistent quality and client experience in assisted self-help services. Track and evaluate self-help initiatives using data-driven reporting and feedback systems.

Pro Bono and Volunteer Engagement

Direct statewide pro bono and volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies. Cultivate relationships with educational institutions, professional associations, and community partners to grow volunteer participation. Oversee compliance with LSC Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) requirements. Collaborate with Development and Communications teams to enhance visibility and recognition of pro bono efforts.

Organizational Leadership

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate program managers and staff. Promote innovation, inclusion, and teamwork across departments. Support grant development and reporting for access-to-justice initiatives. Serve as part of Legal Aid's Leadership Team, contributing to statewide program planning and implementation.

Requirements:

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in Nebraska, or eligible for prompt admission. Minimum of seven (7) years in civil legal services, nonprofit management, or access-to-justice work. Experience in a leadership role managing statewide or multi-site access, self-help, or volunteer programs.

Preferred Requirements:

Knowledge of Legal Services Corporation (LSC) regulations, pro bono program design, and legal technology platforms. Experience supervising attorneys, coordinators, or paralegals. Strategic planning and leadership in access-to-justice or nonprofit legal services. Strong program management, analytical, and organizational skills. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities. Experience building partnerships with courts, law schools, bar associations, and community organizations. Background in program evaluation and data-informed decision-making. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (or another language commonly spoken by clients).

Physical Requirements:

Primarily office-based with general office conditions Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and operate standard office equipment Ability to travel across the state as needed for client meetings, court appearances, and outreach events. * Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.