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.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 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.
Highlight your Connecticut legal connections: name-drop specific law firms or bar associations you've worked with in your cover letter.
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.
Show CRM proficiency: if you've used Bloomerang or similar, mention it explicitly; if not, take a quick tutorial and note it.
Tailor your resume to emphasize volunteer management and legal experience in child welfare or family law.
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.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Lawyers for Children America, Inc.!