Pro Bono Coordinator (Statewide Advocacy Support Unit Pro Bono Program)

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) maintains a Pro Bono Program within its Statewide Advocacy Support Unit.  The overall purpose of this Program is to recruit, train, coordinate, and facilitate the work of pro bono attorneys who serve eligible MLA clients.  The Pro Bono Program develops statewide standards for pro bono practice within MLA’s case priorities, and creates innovative approaches to address the justice gap with the use of pro bono attorneys and other volunteers.

As part of this effort, MLA announces the availability of a full-time Pro Bono Coordinator position for the Pro Bono Program.  This position reports to the Pro Bono Program Director. The Coordinator assists with the recruitment and training of pro bono attorneys, paralegals, law students, and other volunteers, including those in allied professions.

The Coordinator has the following additional responsibilities:

1. Assist with the development and implementation of statewide trainings in substantive areas of law for pro bono volunteers;
2. Work closely with law firms, solo practitioners, law schools, bar associations, and affiliate pro bono groups across Maryland as well as MLA offices;
3. Provide mentorship and case support to pro bono attorneys handling MLA cases;
4. Provide direct client representation when needed within the Pro Bono Program;
5. Assist with the coordination of recognition events for pro bono volunteers;
6. Help to ensure that MLA’s pro bono work is accomplished in accordance with funder requirements, including regulations of the Legal Services Corporation;
7. Assist with the placement of pro bono cases in areas of law consistent with MLA’s priorities, i.e. housing, consumer, public benefits, and family law.

The ideal candidate will be creative, flexible, and self-motivated, have excellent written and oral communication skills, and be able to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with pro bono volunteers.