Dechert LLP: Pro Bono Counsel – closing date 22 March 2020

Dechert LLP are looking for a Pro Bono Counsel to join our team on a permanent basis. In this role, you will report to the Pro Bono Partner. The role also includes working closely with the Pro Bono Team to direct, manage and expand the Firm’s pro bono programme within our EMEA offices.

Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Location: London
Salary: Competitive

Summary of duties:
The Pro Bono Counsel will coordinate the Pro Bono work in the EMEA offices, the mains duties will include but are not limited to:

• Fostering pro bono engagement and developing the Firm’s pro bono practice in EMEA.
• Establishing and maintaining ties in each market with key community partners, including pro bono clearinghouses, non-profits and nongovernmental organisations.
• Developing new office-specific pro bono projects as well as developing cross office pro bono initiatives and developing and maintaining pro bono practice groups.
• Guiding the planning of events and trainings across offices to promote skill development and pro bono participation.
• Supervising the screening of proposed new pro bono matters.
• Promoting the development and overseeing, managing and sustaining pro bono partnerships with the Firm’s commercial clients. 
• Ensuring support and supervision for the Firm’s docket of pro bono matters.
• Contributing on pro bono related publicity, award submissions and reporting and other administrative requests received from the Firm’s legal services partner organisations.
• Disseminate, communicate and staff pro bono opportunities.
• Collaborating with risk management efforts, including tracking and monitoring pro bono matters.
• Representing the Firm, maintaining an active presence, and participating in access to justice initiatives developed by, or in partnership with, the legal services community.
• In appropriate cases, and consistent with subject matter experience, serve as lead or supervising lawyer; advise on substantive legal issues and consult on case strategy.
• Participate in programs and orientations of summer associates and new, lateral, and other firm attorneys on pro bono work.

Key skills:

• Excellent IT skills particularly with the full suite of Office products.
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential management issues and information with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster excellent working relationships at all levels.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Highly organised and proactive with the ability to prioritise work in a pressured environment.

Education and experience:

• Minimum of five years legal experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Program management experience favored.
• Working familiarity with public interest law issues and practice.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills in order to address a wide diverse population of employees.
• Keen organisational and analytical skills.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines.
• At least two years’ experience in a comparable or similar role.
• Professional services experience preferred.

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