Nashville Hispanic Bar Association
Nashville Hispanic Bar Association
Position: Eviction Right to Counsel - Legal Director
The Nashville Hispanic Bar Association (“NHBA”) seeks qualified candidates for the position of Legal Director for its Eviction Right to Counsel program. This full-time staff position is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating both
internal and client-facing projects in close partnership with community organizations, volunteers, and other Initiative staff.
This position works closely with NHBA leadership and partner organizations such as Conexion Americas and Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands to design and implement a new eviction right-to-counsel program within the immigrant community, ensure immigrant tenants receive legal representation and are made aware of their rights, and grant outcomes are fulfilled.
The position is currently funded by a two-year pilot grant from the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Personnel must adhere to the goals and outcomes detailed in the grant contract. The position is funded for the duration of the grant, and any subsequent renewal may result in modification of job duties and responsibilities.
The successful candidate will lead an integrated approach to deliver legal representation, advice, and information to the immigrant community in Davidson County. This approach will include direct representation, provision of legal information through “know your rights” outreach, coordination with partner agencies, and the recruiting and supervision of program staff and volunteers. Additionally, this role will support management of program outcome data.
The successful candidate is someone who is self-motivated, highly organized, adaptable, solutions-oriented, and skilled in working with multiple diverse stakeholders. They must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to develop and manage a not-for-profit outreach program.
Native/Advanced level bilingualism in English/Spanish is strongly preferred.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide high-quality legal representation to tenants in eviction-related matters in state court and administrative proceedings in Davidson County, conducting a full range of litigation activities, including drafting pleadings, conducting depositions, motion practice, and trial;
- Supervise staff, interns, and volunteers;
- Manage direct client services and other services relating to the legal needs of the eligible client population;
- Give accurate and timely counsel and information to Davidson County tenants who are facing eviction;
- Maintain cultural competence and respect for differences, or enthusiasm for learning, in race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstances in our clients and the workplace;
- Motivate and work harmoniously with others;
- Travel throughout Davidson County service area to meet with clients, attend court hearings; and attend community events;
- Work in a high-volume environment and a changing court and policy landscape;
- Develop and communicate project work plans, budgets, timelines and documentation of clearly defined scopes and objectives, in coordination with partner organizations;
- Establish and maintain working relationships with community organizations, governmental entities, corporate partners, staff, and volunteers; and
- Monitor grant and budget objectives, reconcile invoices, and track deliverables in collaboration with partner organizations.
Qualifications (Education and Experience):
• Juris Doctor (JD);
• Admitted to practice law in Tennessee, eligible for admission through reciprocity, or willing to take first available Tennessee bar examination;
• Has shown a demonstrated commitment to public interest law in the areas of housing and/or immigrant rights;
• Effective oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Basic proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel software.
Salary & Benefits:
- $95,000 annual salary, plus benefits to be determined
- Flexible hybrid schedule
Applications:
Interested applicants should email a cover letter and résumé to the NHBA Board of Directors at the following mail and/or email address:
David R. Esquivel
Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
150 Third Avenue South
Suite 2800
Nashville, TN 37201
desquivel@bassberry.com
Applications will be accepted until August 26, 2022 or until the position is filled. NHBA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). We prioritize equity and inclusion in our organizational culture and hiring. We encourage all applicants regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, parental status or marital status. No phone calls or in-person inquiries, please.