Pro Bono Lawyer

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading international law firms. The Firm was established in 1884 and has more than 1,000 lawyers. Headquartered in New York with offices in Beijing, Brussels, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, São Paulo, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., the Firm provides coordinated legal advice and transactional capability to clients around the globe.

Are you an experienced Pro Bono lead? We are keen to hear from you in this newly created Pro Bono dedicated role. 

The Pro Bono Lawyer is responsible for working with the Chief Pro Bono Counsel and the London Pro Bono Committee to manage and expand the pro bono program in Simpson Thacher's London office. The role involves coordinating the pro bono effort  in London in a way that complements the wider strategy being driven by the firm's Chief Pro Bono Officer. The Pro Bono Lawyer will support the lawyers in the London office and the Chief Pro Bono Counsel with respect to representation of a variety of pro bono clients and provide oversight of clinics, individual matters, and when required, community service efforts in the London office.  The Pro Bono Lawyer will also liaise with the London Chief Operating Officer, Business Development, DEI, Human Resources and other professionals to support joint efforts and build a culture of service, inclusion and pro bono throughout the London office.

• Oversee the day-to-day coordination, development, and implementation of the London office's voluntary pro bono program and practice
• Engage London lawyers at all levels for active involvement and pride in initiatives, ensuring that proper assistance, supervision and resources are available
• Alongside the Chief Pro Bono Counsel, London Pro Bono Committee Chairs, and key relationship partners, facilitate opportunities to work with commercial clients on joint pro bono and community service projects and programming
• Build and manage London office's relationships with key external partners to the Firm's pro bono program including clearinghouses, legal services organizations, charities, NGOs and the UK Collaborative Plan.
• Engage in external pro bono sector meetings, taskforce groups, conferences and events
• Assess and oversee pro bono capacity and matter-assignment in the London office
• Assess and plan pro bono training needs for lawyers and other staff participating in pro bono work
• Act as a resource and information source for lawyers working on pro bono matters
• Act as a key point of contact for pro bono clients and oversee ongoing client relationships where they have been delegated to a more junior lawyer
• Build know-how and expertise for new types of pro bono work
• Attend monthly meetings with Chief Pro Bono Counsel, and meetings with London Pro Bono Committee chairs and the London Chief Operating Officer as necessary to report on and discuss work streams and initiatives
• Attend remote, weekly staff meetings with U.S. pro bono team
• Run regular reports on metrics for the London office pro bono program, prepare and analyze data regarding pro bono efforts and assist with data and metrics as necessary for Firm-wide and office reporting
• Organize internal and external events related to the Firm’s pro bono program
• Manage meetings and activities of the London Charity Committee
• Work closely with the Business Development and Communications teams to draft external communication pieces, survey responses and input into pitches
• Work with Business Development and Communications teams to increase the reputation and visibility of the London office’s pro bono work
• Perform other duties as assigned

• At least two years in similar role in professional services environment
• Demonstrated interest in public service and serving low-income communities
• Fluency in oral and written English
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a variety of people including senior professionals and low-income clients
• Excellent organizational skills and a strong aptitude for detail
• Demonstrated experience coordinating work and managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
• Ability to be flexible and to work independently, at times with minimal supervision, as well as in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to lead, direct, train and manage junior level employees
• Excellent judgment, including sensitivity to confidential information
• Flexibility to travel if required
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

• Legally qualified in the UK (additional masters degree in human rights, international law, social justice or other related field desirable)

Salary and Benefits: Competitive

Simpson Thacher is committed to ensuring that everyone can reach their full potential, irrespective of background, identity, or circumstance. We know that we are at our best when we bring together diverse experiences and perspectives. This is why we are focused on fostering a collegial environment which maximises collaboration, empowering every individual to thrive and succeed.