Position Available                               Position Available                           Position Available

Director of Legal Services

Mississippi Protection and Advocacy System (MPAS)

 

MPAS, a non-profit agency that protects and advocates for people with disabilities in Mississippi, is seeking an experienced, dynamic individual to serve as Director of Legal Services.    

 

MPAS currently employs two full-time staff attorneys and twelve advocates who provide protection and advocacy services state-wide.  It also contracts with other attorneys for specific projects.  The agency is undergoing some exciting changes to expand the scope and variety of its legal advocacy efforts on behalf of clients with disabilities.  There are many opportunities to far-reaching individual advocacy, and for systemic change.   The agency is in the process of re-visioning, re-setting priorities, and re-organizing its internal structure.  We are seeking someone with strong legal and management skills, and a knowledge of disability issues, to be a part of this exciting process! 

 

Position Title: Director of Legal Services

Reports To: Interim Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

 

Mission:  To lead and coordinate the legal advocacy undertaken by the agency.  

 

Essential Functions:

1.      Oversee the hiring, training, and supervision of legal staff and volunteers.

2.      Oversee all legal processes and services.

3.      Manage a caseload of active individual cases and assigned systems advocacy/litigation projects.

4.      Assist in the planning and evaluation of the legal work of the agency.

5.      Serve on the agency management team.

6.      Serve as coordinator for one or more of the federal P&A programs as requested.

7.      Perform community outreach including public speeches and presentations.

8.      Maintain active involvement with the Mississippi public interest bar and protection and advocacy systems nationwide.

9.      Assist with in-service training activities.

10.  Monitor CLE training for legal staff.

11.  Other duties as assigned.

 

Requirements:

1.      Graduate of accredited law school.

2.      Member of Mississippi bar, or able to obtain admission within six months. 

3.      At least five years experience in the practice of public interest law, preferably including disability related issues.

4.      Supervisory experience preferred.

5.      Excellent written and verbal communication skills

6.      Strong training skills.

7.      Ability to work cooperatively with non-attorney advocates.

8.      Detail oriented and well organized.

9.      Ability to handle multiple projects.

 

 

Location: Currently Jackson, Mississippi, although another location within the state will be considered for the right candidate.

 

Compensation:  $55,000 up depending on experience; generous benefits

 

To Apply:   Send letter of interest and resume to: Ann Maclaine, Interim Executive Director, MPAS, 5305 Executive Place, Jackson, MS 39206; fax 601 981-8313, amaclaine@mspas.com

All inquiries will be kept confidential. 

 

MPAS is an equal opportunity employer.  Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.