Director of Pro Bono

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change.

Position Overview

Maryland Legal Aid seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Director of Pro Bono, a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic development, oversight, and integration of pro bono service across the organization. The Director reports to the Chief Legal Director and supervises the Deputy Director for Pro Bono.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, organization-wide pro bono strategy
• Collaborate with executive and legal leadership on pro bono trends and opportunities
• Guide the evolution of pro bono programming for sustainability and impact

Private Bar, Law Firm, and Partner Engagement

• Serve as MLA's primary pro bono ambassador to law firms, corporate legal departments, and bar associations
• Build and maintain long-term relationships that increase sustained volunteer engagement
• Develop strategies to expand law firm and corporate participation

Policy Development and Project Oversight

• Lead development of internal policies related to volunteer engagement and pro bono assistance
• Ensure compliance with LSC Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) requirements
• Oversee systems for tracking PAI and pro bono data and reporting

Impact Litigation and Advocacy Collaboration

• Collaborate with Appellate Advocacy and Impact Litigation team to expand pro bono participation
• Identify volunteer roles for pro bono attorneys in systemic advocacy work

Supervision and Leadership

• Provide direct supervision to Deputy Director for Pro Bono
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture within the pro bono program

Required Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Admission to the Maryland Bar or eligibility and commitment to obtain admission
• Significant experience working with law firms, corporate legal departments, or pro bono programs
• Strong strategic planning, communication, and leadership skills
• At least seven (7) years of relevant legal or comparable professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in legal services, nonprofit leadership, or law firm pro bono management
• Familiarity with LSC compliance requirements related to PAI
• Experience with impact litigation, appellate advocacy, or policy work

Salary and Benefits

$110,000 - $135,000 annually. MLA provides health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), 4 weeks paid time off, paid sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, and more. Hybrid work arrangement possible after onboarding.