Description

The Nashville Bar Association (NBA) is a professional organization serving the legal community of Nashville, Tennessee. With over 2,500 members, the NBA is the largest metropolitan bar association in Tennessee. The NBA’s mission is to is to advance the legal profession and promote justice by connecting, serving, and educating our members and the public.

We are seeking a passionate, organized, and service-oriented professional to join our team as the Public Legal Access Programs Coordinator. This position plays a vital role in connecting community members with legal resources, supporting access-to-justice initiatives, and building partnerships that strengthen legal services throughout Middle Tennessee.

Position Summary
The Public Legal Access Programs Coordinator oversees and supports a variety of public-facing legal access initiatives, including the Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS), Dial-A-Lawyer program, The Federal Pro Se Clinic, Pro Bono Week activities, and public legal education efforts. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, highly organized, and committed to improving public access to legal information and services.

Key Responsibilities

Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS)

• Respond to phone, email, and online inquiries from the public
• Screen requests and connect individuals with appropriate attorney referrals
• Promote participation in the LRIS program among attorneys and legal professionals
• Coordinate LRIS Committee meetings and follow-up activities
• Prepare quarterly referral and participation reports
• Maintain attorney participation records, including malpractice insurance, CLE compliance, and Board of Professional
• Responsibility standing
• Track and manage referral files and related follow-up communications

Dial-A-Lawyer Program

• Coordinate monthly Dial-A-Lawyer events
• Recruit and train volunteer attorneys
• Manage event logistics, including scheduling and catering
• Pursue sponsorships and grant opportunities to support program costs  

Public Legal Resources & Education

• Develop and maintain legal self-help resources for the public
• Build relationships with community organizations to strengthen referral networks
• Enhance collaboration with legal service providers and community partners

Access to Justice & Pro Bono Programs

• Administer grant compliance and program support for the Pro Se Litigant Federal Courthouse Project
• Support initiatives and projects of the Public Citizen and Pro Bono Committees
• Coordinate annual Pro Bono Week activities
• Promote volunteer and pro bono opportunities for association members

Program Support

• Assist with special projects and other duties that support the mission of the Nashville Bar Association and Nashville Bar Foundation
   

Critical Competencies:

• Ability to handle extensive administrative duties in a fast-paced environment 
• Ability to work well and communicate effectively and professionally with others 
• Ability to use and train on AI tools, including Copilot
• Excellent customer service, organizational, and record keeping skills
• High energy, positive, professional, “cando” attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and high degree of initiative 
• Attentive and detail-oriented work habits and strong work ethic
• Excellent time management skills
• Computer and software knowledge that includes comfortability within database management, Zoom, and association management software

Required

• Bachelor's degree and at least five years of professional experience in law, nonprofit management, public service, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and WebEx
• Strong attention to detail

Preferred

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree
• Experience working with legal service organizations, bar associations, courts, or nonprofit programs
• Experience with grant administration, volunteer management, or community outreach

Physical & Schedule Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Occasional evening and weekend work required to support programs and events

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid holidays
• PTO

 Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on access to justice in Middle Tennessee with the potential to move into a Director role for the position. You'll collaborate with legal professionals, community partners, volunteers, and civic leaders while helping connect individuals with critical legal resources and services.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience and commitment to public service to NBA_HR@nashvillebar.org by November 1, 2026

The Nashville Bar Association and Nashville Bar Foundation are equal opportunity employers and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree and at least five years of professional experience in law, nonprofit management, public service, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and WebEx
• Strong attention to detail

Preferred

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree
• Experience working with legal service organizations, bar associations, courts, or nonprofit programs
• Experience with grant administration, volunteer management, or community outreach