State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral Specialist (Hybrid work environment)
The State Bar of Wisconsin is searching for a customer-focused, compassionate individual to support the work of our Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) Program. The Referral Specialist is the first point of contact for those calling our lawyer referral service, assessing callers' legal needs and making the appropriate referral to attorneys or other agencies within the community. We are looking for someone with a comforting, patient, and encouraging telephone disposition to support people looking for help in a time of stress. This position works Monday-Friday and has the option to work from home up to 4 days per week.
Who We Are
The State Bar of Wisconsin is a professional association, created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for all attorneys who hold a Wisconsin law license. With more than 25,000 members, the State Bar exists to serve its members and the public by promoting the law and access to justice. We aid the courts in improving the administration of justice, provide continuing legal education and other services for our members, support the education of law students, and educate the public about the legal system. The State Bar of Wisconsin also provides public services -- such as attorney referrals and public education – and supports programs that provide reduced-fee legal assistance for low-income state residents.
What You Will Love
- The people, the culture and a hybrid work environment! We care about our people, our work, and our members. We value work/life balance and offer excellent benefits and flexibility to support our employees and their families. This position is eligible to work from home up to 4 days per week while working in the office one day every week.
- Working with a mission-driven organization that acts with integrity, promotes justice, and addresses systemic racism and implicit bias in the legal system.
- Collaboration and team support. Be a part of a cohesive team that works closely together and helps one another support our members. You will be welcomed and supported to learn and grow in the position.
What You Will Do
- Compassionately and professionally answer incoming lawyer referral calls; actively listen to assess the callers' needs for legal assistance and available resources. Based on the information obtained, refer callers to the appropriate panel member attorney, public agency, or legal resource.
- Enter accurate data for all calls into the State Bar database. Prepare and distribute program reports to attorney and client; track responses.
- Ensure that attorney member records are kept up to date add new members, and process renewals.
- Research available legal and community resources and help maintain a directory of resources that's used to provide information to callers.
- Proactively seek out learning opportunities to build a base of knowledge of the legal system, areas of legal practice, and options available to consumers.
What We Are Looking For
- The ability to communicate in a professional and compassionate manner with diverse groups of people on a wide range of issues while remaining open-minded and non-judgmental.
- At least one year of experience working in a community service, human service, social and/or legal services role, and a motivation to learn.
- Excellent, positive interpersonal and customer service skills – must have the ability to non-judgmentally work with others and respond calmly and with care when callers are under stress.
- Culturally proficient and responsive. Experience, education, self-awareness and ongoing commitment to understand social identities and integrating them into communication with the public.
- The ability to quickly think through problems and provide possible solutions, prioritize work to meet deadlines and accomplish goals, and work as a team to accomplish program objectives.
Compensation and Benefits
A starting wage of $18 - $20 per hour, depending on experience, with the ability to grow. The State Bar of Wisconsin offers excellent benefits including:
• 3 weeks of paid vacation per year
• 2 weeks of paid sick time per year
• Excellent and low-cost health and dental insurance
• Fully paid life and long-term disability insurance
• 10 paid holidays plus 2 personal days
• Volunteer time off
• Hybrid work schedules and flexibility
• 8% 401(k) contribution!!
• The State Bar is also a “qualified employer" for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
How To Apply
To apply, visit www.wisbar.org/careers to upload your resume and cover letter. This position will be posted until it is filled but priority will be given to applicants who submit early, so don't wait. Apply today!
The State Bar of Wisconsin is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and seeks to create a supportive, welcoming environment for all. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, because it's the right thing to do and it makes us stronger. Candidates who share these values and reflect the rich diversity of our community are encouraged to apply.
