Supervising Attorney - Microbusiness and Nonprofit Support Program

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Since 1983, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Inc. (SDVLP), the county’s oldest and most comprehensive pro bono legal services program, has changed the lives of thousands of indigent and other disadvantaged people, by providing equal access to the justice system. SDVLP’s unique service model serves as a bridge between indigent and other disadvantaged people in San Diego County and the volunteer lawyers and others who are willing to donate their time and resources.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Supervising Attorney for SDVLP’s Microbusiness and Nonprofit Support Program is a senior leadership position responsible for supervising SDVLP’s highly successful and rapidly-growing Microbusiness and Nonprofit Support Program (MNSP), which leverages pro bono attorneys to provide vital free legal services to nonprofit organizations and microbusinesses. The Supervising Attorney will oversee and actively participate in the delivery of legal services to local nonprofit organizations, enabling these organizations to remain legally compliant, build capacity, and fulfill their missions. This role is an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact in the San Diego community, combining legal representation, program leadership, and strategic development.

As part of the senior leadership team, this position will report to the Chief Executive Officer, and will directly supervise the Staff Attorney for SDVLP’s Microbusiness and Nonprofit Support Program.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

The Supervising Attorney will be responsible for:

Program Leadership & Supervision

• Supervising SDVLP’s Microbusiness and Nonprofit Support Program to ensure the delivery of high-quality, pro bono legal services to nonprofit organizations and microbusinesses

• Supervising, mentoring, and supporting the MNSP Staff Attorney and pro bono volunteers providing legal services to nonprofit organizations and microbusinesses
• Reviewing legal work product to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with ethical and professional standards
• Providing training, guidance, and performance feedback to legal staff
• Assisting in developing program policies, workflows, and best practices

Direct Legal Services

• Providing legal advice and representation to nonprofit organizations on matters such as:
  • Nonprofit formation and dissolution
  • Tax-exempt status (including 501(c)(3) compliance)
  • Corporate governance and board issues
  • Contracts, leases, and transactions
  • Regulatory compliance and risk management

Program Development & Outreach

• Helping shape the strategic direction and growth of the MNSP
• Building and maintaining relationships with nonprofit clients, community partners, and funders
• Supporting outreach, workshops, and legal clinics for nonprofit organizations
• Collaborating with development and leadership staff on grant reporting and program evaluation

Administrative & Organizational Responsibilities

• Tracking and report program outcomes, data, and impact
• Ensuring compliance with grant requirements and organizational policies

• Engaging in other tasks and projects as needed to further SDVLP’s mission

Work Environment:

• This is a full-time position requiring the ability to work onsite in SDVLP’s San Diego downtown office; minimum 37.50-hour work week. 

Salary & Benefits:

• Salary range is $110,000- $120,000, DOE.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance –100% of the premium for employee medical insurance is paid in full by the employer – eligibility for health care coverage is the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment.
• 401K retirement plan with up to a 6% match after 6 months of employment.
• 15 days paid annual leave (increases to 20 days after 2 years), 10 days paid sick leave, 16 paid holidays etc.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• We are an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

• Member in good standing of the California Bar.
• Minimum of five years of transactional experience, with a strong focus on nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to successfully work as part of a team, and with the public, volunteers, government agencies, and partner organizations.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with accuracy and minimal direction.
• Excellent Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint skills.

SDVLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.