Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Volunteer Programs

at Lawyers for Children America, Inc.

🏢 About Lawyers for Children America, Inc.

Lawyers for Children America (LFCA) is a national leader in pro bono child advocacy, uniquely combining direct legal representation with systemic reform. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that protects the most vulnerable children while collaborating with top law firms and bar associations across Connecticut.

About This Role

As Director of Volunteer Programs, you'll be the engine behind LFCA's pro bono attorney network, recruiting and supporting 50+ new volunteers annually. Your work directly expands access to justice for abused and neglected children, making a tangible impact on their lives and the legal community.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing CRM data to track volunteer hours and case outcomes, then reaching out to a law firm partner about a new recruitment event. Afternoon could involve a virtual training session for volunteer attorneys and a call with a bar association to coordinate a pro bono clinic, ending with preparing a report for funders.

🎯 Who Lawyers for Children America, Inc. Is Looking For

  • A J.D. with active Connecticut bar membership (or eligibility) and 3-5+ years in child protection, public interest, or pro bono coordination.
  • A skilled networker who thrives on building relationships with law firms, corporate legal departments, and bar associations.
  • Proficient in CRM software (e.g., Bloomerang) and data tracking, comfortable preparing reports for funders and stakeholders.
  • A passionate advocate for children's rights with exceptional public speaking and presentation abilities.

📝 Tips for Applying to Lawyers for Children America, Inc.

1

Highlight your Connecticut legal connections: name-drop specific law firms or bar associations you've worked with in your cover letter.

2

Quantify your recruitment success: include numbers (e.g., 'Recruited 30 pro bono attorneys in one year') to demonstrate your ability to meet the 50+ target.

3

Show CRM proficiency: if you've used Bloomerang or similar, mention it explicitly; if not, take a quick tutorial and note it.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize volunteer management and legal experience in child welfare or family law.

5

Submit a writing sample related to pro bono or child advocacy, such as a training manual or recruitment pitch.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for child advocacy and alignment with LFCA's mission of protecting abused and neglected children.", 'Your proven track record in recruiting and managing pro bono attorneys, with specific examples.', "Your familiarity with Connecticut's legal landscape, including key law firms and DCF procedures.", 'Your ability to use data to drive recruitment and report outcomes to funders.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review LFCA's website to understand their current pro bono model, case types, and impact statistics.
  • Familiarize yourself with Connecticut's DCF (Department of Children and Families) and the state's child welfare system.
  • Look up LFCA's recent reports or news articles about their advocacy and partnerships with law firms.
  • Explore the Connecticut Bar Association's pro bono initiatives and how LFCA collaborates with them.
Visit Lawyers for Children America, Inc.'s Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop an annual recruitment plan to attract 50+ pro bono attorneys? Walk us through your strategy.
2 Describe a time you built a partnership with a law firm or bar association. What was the outcome?
3 How do you handle a volunteer attorney who is struggling with a case? Provide a specific example.
4 What experience do you have with CRM systems like Bloomerang? How do you use data to track volunteer engagement?
5 Why are you interested in working remotely for a Connecticut-focused organization? How will you stay connected to the legal community?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Connecticut or child advocacy.
  • Failing to show concrete results in volunteer recruitment or data management.
  • Overlooking the part-time nature of the role and not addressing how you'll manage the workload.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Lawyers for Children America, Inc.!