Staff Attorney
Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) provides life-changing civil legal assistance to eligible residents in every part of the State. Since 1911, MLA has provided high-quality legal services to low-income, and marginalized individuals and communities–helping them remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and an overall better life.
MLA is dedicated to preserving the basic human needs and basic human rights of clients, particularly as they navigate the justice system. MLA staff, pro bono attorneys, community partners, and general supporters all play important roles in ensuring that the legal playing field is leveled so that those most in need achieve equal access to justice. It is because of this diverse support that MLA is able to be a voice to tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders every year.
MLA announces a full-time general practice staff attorney position in the Midwestern Office located in Frederick, Maryland. This position handles all functions related to legal advocacy with a focus on family law, landlord/tenant, and advocacy to support the work of the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) grant ranging from intake to representation of clients before administrative tribunals, District, Circuit, appellate and federal courts, and all relevant agencies.
The MDH grant entails representing residents in a psychiatric in-patient facility and a facility for developmentally disabled adults in obtaining benefits and entitlements; providing legal representation to residents during the later stages of the grievance process; providing legal representation at clinical review panel appeal hearings; identifying residents who may have a legal problem but may not be able to request assistance due to their disability; representing individuals who elect to file a writ of habeas corpus or to petition for release from the facility; representing individuals at emergency or non-emergency transfer hearings; and referring residents to pro-bono legal services for assistance with general civil claims.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
- Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
- Use of repetitive motion of hands, wrists and feet, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
- Occasional lifting up to 10 pounds, bending, kneeling pulling, and carrying.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work duties are typically performed in a general office setting with regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, instant messaging and email, in-person and in a courtroom. Certain work duties may be performed in community settings.
BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $66, 585.00 - $106, 585.00 annually. In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, 2 weeks paid time off, paid sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, and more! Future flexibility regarding a hybrid work arrangement is a possibility after the onboarding period. Eligibility to apply for the Maryland Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Please submit a resume, legal writing sample, and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application.
- References will be required at time of the final interview.
- No telephone calls please. Position will remain open until filled.
Staff attorney expected to participate in outreach activities and clinics. Additionally, participation in Legal Aid Task forces and other internal/external committees is required.
- Screens clients for eligibility and make referrals, as appropriate.
- Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
- Conduct factual investigation and analysis, and legal research.
- Advise clients of results of investigation and research and counsel clients about their options.
- Prepare pleadings, including but not limited to, complaints, answers, memoranda of law, briefs, etc.
- Develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
- Prepare cases and represent clients in negotiations, hearings, trials and appeals.
- Work with various community groups, performs outreach, and accepts speaking engagements as assigned by supervisor.
- Continue professional development and education through attendance at Legal Aid sponsored training and other programs.
- Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland, or admitted in another jurisdiction and eligible for admission in the State of Maryland.
- Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
- Ability to use a computer, web-based applications, and computer programs such as Office 365 including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Excellent research, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
- Self-starter with ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet regular deadlines in a fast-paced environment while balancing a full workload.
- Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed.
- Knowledge of Westlaw Edge or other legal research software is a plus.
- One (1) to three (3) years of post-bar admission legal experience is preferred but not required.
- Prior experience in public-interest litigation or providing nonprofit legal services is a plus.
Maryland Legal Aid is committed to equity, justice and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, MLA seeks to hire individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives that are reflective of the communities we serve, including people with disabilities, people of color, women and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
Apply for Staff Attorney using the link below: