Legal Aid Technology Transformation Lead

Job Description:

Legal Aid Technology Transformation Lead

Description

Job Description

Office of Operational and Digital Transformation

Salary Range: $102,263 - $234,887

FLSA Exempt / This position may be union represented depending on the classification when hired

This position allows for up to four days of remote work per week.

About the Office

The Office of Operational and Digital Transformation (ODT), within the Office of Executive Director, focuses on implementing innovative technology solutions and digital transformation initiatives in alignment with Goal 5 of the State Bar's Strategic Plan: to protect the public through innovative use of technology and responsible data management. ODT leads cross-functional technology initiatives that modernize operations and enhance the State Bar's ability to serve the public and legal community.

About the Position

This role will be responsible for leading the statewide Legal Technology Initiative: a project of the Office of Access & Inclusion (OA&I). While this position will be housed within the Office of Operational and Digital Transformation (ODT), it will primarily support OA&I. This arrangement will enable knowledge sharing, collaboration, and prevention of duplicated efforts across technology initiatives within the State Bar.

OA&I's mission is to close the justice gap in California by increasing equitable access to legal services for low-income and underserved communities. The statewide Legal Technology Initiative aims to empower OA&I's 115 Interest on Lawyers' Trust Fund (IOLTA) grantees to understand and safely deploy cutting-edge technology to enhance service delivery, streamline operations, and expand access to justice at scale. The position will provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, and implementation support for legal technology and artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives to support legal aid grantees. The position will create a foundation for a hub-and-spoke model, offering fractional expertise to legal aid organizations while developing and maintaining a cohesive technology strategy aligned with the State Bar's and OA&I's missions. The Legal Aid Technology Transformation Lead will:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive roadmap for legal technology adoption for all legal aid grantee organizations.
• Provide specialized technology guidance to grantees through technical assistance and implementation support.
• Develop metrics to evaluate technology initiatives and demonstrate return on investment (ROI) in terms of increased efficiency and expanded access.
• Identify, evaluate, and pilot promising technologies with potential to address key legal aid bottlenecks.
• Develop shared resources, templates, and best practices to democratize access to technology expertise.
• Collaborate with other offices, including the Office of Access & Inclusion.
• Coordinate a community of practice among grantees to share lessons learned and implementation approaches.
• Create frameworks, policies, and ethical guidelines for responsible AI adoption in the context of legal aid.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a curious self-starter who is open to new ideas, questions the status quo, and embraces agility and innovation. The ideal candidate has experience balancing learning from failures and taking calculated risks. The ideal candidate has either formal or self-taught education or experience with generative AI, digital transformation, business process re-engineering, and/or legal operations. While not a requirement, the ideal candidate will have experience working with legal aid or similar nonprofits. To ensure that we identify the right candidate for the job, the State Bar is open to considering a range of classifications as appropriate based on experience and skill level.

Role-Specific Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Co-owns the State Bar's efforts on the statewide Legal Technology Initiative, AI adoption, and digital transformation in legal aid.
• Identifies and directs the work of contractors and consultants, ensuring that contract requirements are followed and in accordance with State Bar policies.
• Develops and implements technology evaluation frameworks, pilot programs, and adoption strategies.
• Identifies training needs and works with OA&I and Human Resources to develop plans to deploy necessary training to upskill employees.
• Works together with and regularly reports to OA&I leadership on the progress of the statewide Legal Technology Initiative, including metrics of usage, ROI, and impact on access to justice.
• Supports a working group composed of commissioners of the Legal Services Trust Fund Commission, grantees, and external experts to identify, evaluate, prioritize, and recommend technology solutions.
• Supports the development of ethical guidelines, governance structures, and best practices for AI adoption.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with grantee organizations, technology providers, and other stakeholders.
• Engages OA&I and State Bar leadership on policy-related issues, including providing regular updates on ethical considerations, privacy, and data security.
• Collaborates on technology strategies and initiatives to ensure knowledge sharing, alignment of efforts, and leveraging of resources and expertise across the organization.
• Responds to inquiries from grantees and external stakeholders in a timely manner.

General Examples of Essential Duties

• Provides expertise and guidance to other professional, and/or administrative staff in complex program analysis and solutions.
• Performs advanced research, conducts studies to determine needs, prepares reports, and recommends implementation procedures for a variety of program needs.
• Serves as a primary communication liaison with State Bar committees, members, financial institutions, vendors, contractors, general public, other departments and employees.
• Evaluates existing and alternative policies and makes recommendations toward establishment of revised policies and procedures.
• Performs advanced professional work in support of State Bar programs and services involving the knowledge, interpretation, and application of State Bar policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Reviews processes and maintains program transactions, records and other documents; assists in the preparation and maintenance of statistical data, reports, correspondence, special studies, and conducts research.
• Provides input in developing and evaluating program policies and procedures and evaluates and proposes changes concerning the methods of operation.
• Provides lead direction over programs, staff, or special projects, which involves assigning, reviewing, and coordinating staff work.
• Trains staff in program policies, rules, regulations, and procedures; assesses workloads; assigns employees as necessary to ensure the proper level of support for ongoing activities of the department.
• Assists with the selection, training, direction, and evaluation of staff.
• Implements guidelines to ensure adherence to the State Bar rules and regulations governing the administration of State Bar programs, services, and membership.
• Represents the State Bar at programs and functions and responds to inquiries from board members, management, attorneys, and the public.
• May perform a number of other similar or related duties which may not be specifically included within this position description, but which are consistent with the general level of the job.
• Oversees and conducts difficult, sensitive, highly visible, and complex analytical work that has a significant impact on the functions and operations of assigned program or Office; ensures accuracy of information and effectively communicates findings both verbally and in writing; and prepares presentations and reports to illustrate analyses for senior management and the public at public hearings and/or committee meetings.
• Confers with senior management staff to discuss, evaluate, and make policy recommendations regarding special projects and/or various complex, sensitive, or highly visible functions of the program or Office.
• Executes operational policies, procedures, strategic goals, and plans, and/or standards pertinent to initiatives that fall under the scope of the assigned program or Office.
• Conducts internal performance and financial audits pursuant to a performance and financial audit plan to ensure that the State Bar's core functions are performed efficiently, effectively, and in compliance with all governing mandates.
• Directs work of contractors and consultants, ensuring that contract requirements are followed and in accordance with State Bar policies.
• Responds to internal and external inquiries about the State Bar's programs, data collection and analysis, continuous improvement, and internal audit efforts.
• Oversees the implementation of special projects with broad policy implications.
• Provides staff support as assigned to the Board of Trustees, and State Bar committees, commissions, and working groups.
• Monitors project budgets and makes recommendations on budget expenditures.
• Serves in a lead capacity over project teams or may supervise individual professional, technical, and support staff.
• Performs other duties that may not be specifically included within this position description but are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Role-Specific Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Generative AI technology and best practices and legal technology.
• Legal aid operations and access to justice challenges (preferred).
• Principles of business process re-engineering, management administration, and supervision.
• Principles of iterative project management, implementation, and best practices as they relate to enterprise-wide projects and initiatives.
• Principles of problem identification, analysis, and resolution.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including database, report generation, word processing, project management, spreadsheet, presentation, and software applications relevant to the work.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Principles of effective written and verbal presentations, including public speaking and public relations/customer service.
• Principles of effective institutional communication in dealing with diverse constituencies.

Ability to:

• Analyze current grantee processes and identify areas of efficiencies, including, but not limited to, systems enhancements, automation, and business process re-engineering.
• Analyze grantee needs and make complex decisions and/or recommendations to ensure alignment with the State Bar's Strategic Goals and priorities and OA&I's mission.
• Demonstrate knowledge of or have a history of engagement, commitment, and leadership regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, practices, and initiatives.
• Incorporate and maintain inclusive and equitable policies, programs, and processes.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in person, by telephone, by computer, and in writing.
• Speak publicly to large groups of people.
• Effectively manage shifting priorities, adopt effective courses of action, and work under deadlines.
• Manage multiple, simultaneous assignments, to independently plan and prioritize day to day work, and to meet deadlines.
• Effectively interact with others.
• Effectively address conflict.
• Prepare a variety of reports in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and training to team members, fostering a growth mindset and culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality in program administration and interactions with contractors, consultants, experts, and others.
• Exercise sound judgment and decision-making.
• Act with integrity in all related State Bar business.
• Quickly adapt to changing environments, critical needs and adopt and effectively implement courses of action.

General Employment

Knowledge of:

• Principles of office management, budgeting, administration, and supervision.
• Problem identification, analysis, and evaluation.
• Problem-solving and conflict-resolution methods and techniques.
• Computer information systems, including personal computer applications, word processing, and spreadsheet programs.
• Interviewing and investigative techniques.
• Principles of effective writing and verbal presentation.
• Coordination and operation of programs.
• Working knowledge of the State Bar Offices and their functions and general knowledge of other agencies and their interface with the State Bar.
• Personnel selection and supervisory principles, practices, and procedures.
• Computerized information and database recordkeeping systems.
• Office procedure, budget preparation, and maintenance techniques.
• Principles of program evaluation, policy assessment, and implementation.
• Principles of problem identification, analysis, and resolution.
• Principles of data analysis and research tools.
• Principles of business process reengineering.
• Principles of effective written and verbal presentations, including public speaking.
• Principles of public relations/customer service.
• Principles of board and committee administration.
• Principles of organizational behavior and conflict resolution.
• Principles of financial and public policy analysis and research.
• Principles of effective institutional communication in dealing with different constituencies.
• Principles of office management, budgeting, administration, and supervision.
• Principles of government relations.
• Principles of computer information systems, including database, report generation, word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
• Principles of project planning and implementation.
• Principles of financial and cost-benefit analysis and performance auditing.
• Within the introductory period, obtain a working knowledge of the State Bar office and functions.

Ability to:

• Apply the policies and practices of a department.
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, and regulations related to assigned programs.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate programs under conflicting deadlines and demands.
• Analyze material and problems and identify solutions.
• Analyze problems and complaints, and identify solutions in a timely manner.
• Mentor, assign, and prioritize work assignments of staff in support of meeting program goals.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer hardware, software, and internet and web-based applications.
• Compile data and prepare narrative and statistical reports.
• Appropriately respond to requests and inquiries from the public, State Bar members, or other departments.
• Communicate concisely, and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels and with the public.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information.
• Receive and relay detailed information through verbal and written communication.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in person, by telephone, computer, and in writing.
• Speak publicly to large groups of people.
• Perform under stress and adopt practical courses of action.
• Effectively interact with others.
• Effectively address conflict.
• Manage multiple, simultaneous assignments to plan and prioritize day-to-day work independently and to meet deadlines.
• Lead others to accomplish program and project implementation.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality in program administration and interactions with contractors, consultants, experts, and others.
• Exercise sound judgment and decision-making.
• Make recommendations on complicated and difficult program matters and present them effectively to governing authorities.
• Interpret and analyze complex written documents.
• Effectively present and speak publicly to large groups of people.
• Act with integrity in all related State Bar business.
• Quickly adapt to changing environments and critical needs, and adopt and effectively implement courses of action.

Minimum Qualifications

Given the rapidly evolving nature of AI and digital transformation, we recognize that traditional experience metrics may not fully capture a candidate's potential. We encourage applications from individuals who can demonstrate strong leadership skills, a grasp of AI concepts, a proven ability to lead innovative projects, a passion for expanding access to justice through technology, and experience with legal aid or other nonprofits, even if they do not meet all traditional experience requirements. We value diverse backgrounds and perspectives and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all qualified candidates.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree, certification, or equivalent academic achievement in a field that develops skills related to essential duties. Preferred areas of study include Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, Data Science, Law, or related disciplines.

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of journey-level professional experience in data collection and evaluation, research or performance or financial analysis, or grant compliance in a public sector, legal or nonprofit environment, or equivalent.

Preferred experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience preferably in at least two of the following areas:
  • Successfully leading and managing cross-functional teams
  • Overseeing complex projects from conception to completion
  • Developing and implementing strategic initiatives
  • Fostering innovation and driving organizational change
  • Project management, including planning, execution, and evaluation of large-scale initiatives
• Verifiable track record of effective stakeholder management and communication Experience with AI technologies, particularly generative AI

Additional Preferred Qualifications (not required, but highly desirable):

• Strong understanding of AI technologies, digital transformation strategies, and legal technology
• Familiarity with legal aid operations and access to justice challenges
• Excellent leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate diverse stakeholders
• Strong project management skills, including resource allocation, risk management, and performance tracking
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Experience working in or with government agencies or regulatory bodies
• Knowledge of data privacy and security regulations relevant to AI implementation and legal services
• Track record of successful change management in organizations
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs related to technology adoption
• Relevant certifications in AI, machine learning, project management, or digital transformation

License, Certificate, Registration Requirements:

• None required.

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be required to successfully complete the State Bar's selection process for this classification.

About the State Bar

The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation, and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.

Our Values

Clarity | Investing in Our People | Excellence | Respect | Growth Mindset

Learn more about our values.

DEI Statement

We are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all of our employees and prospective employees experience fairness, dignity, and respect.

Learn more about our commitment to DEI.