Supervising Attorney (Administrative Law Unit)

RESPONSIBLE TO:  Deputy Chief Counsel

SUPERVISES:  Attorneys, Paralegals and Administrative Support Staff

MAJOR FUNCTIONS: The Supervising Attorney is responsible for planning and managing the work of the office/unit, implementing the organization’s priorities, assigning legal work, staff recruitment, supervising, and evaluating staff to assure quality legal representation. In addition, the Supervising Attorney may be involved in resource development and grants/contract reporting and management as well as conducting outreach to both targeted groups and the general public.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coordinate and supervise assignment of cases and appellate advocacy. The practice includes State and Federal trial and appellate courts and administrative forums;

Conduct case reviews and assign cases to staff consistent with Maryland Legal Aid’s (MLA) case and matter acceptance guidelines.

Work closely with appropriate MLA task forces and workgroups to identify systemic barriers, develop strategies to address these barriers, and monitor outcomes;

Build and maintain a cohesive, supportive team that works well with one another, develops objectives and priorities for the unit/office; and maintains open communication;

Provide effective, competent legal assistance to low-income clients in an efficient, zealous, client-centered, and compassionate manner;

Maintain an active caseload and conduct high quality and impactful advocacy designed to address systemic problems affecting low-income persons;

Guide the professional development of staff, including training and co-counseling of cases; reviewing substantive legal work; providing meaningful assessments and evaluation of advocacy efforts, caseloads, and productivity;

Engage the community through outreach and education;

Cultivate effective relationships with the judiciary and private bar and participate in local and state bar association activities;

Carry-out MLA’s strategic plan, which includes the integration of a Human Rights Framework in all aspects of the offices’ work, including litigation and advocacy, communications, community education, and human relations;

Ensure compliance with administrative and regulatory requirements as well as grants/contracts that support the work of the unit/office;

Be part of a statewide management team and strive to improve the overall quality of MLA’s service delivery throughout the state;

Assist with MLA resource development efforts, including, but not limited to, the identifying of possible funding sources, making presentations to funders, and the drafting of grant applications and progress reports;

Address client and staff collective bargaining issues, including first level grievances; and

Perform all administrative functions in accordance with MLA policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, reviewing staff timekeeping, leave requests, travel reimbursements and check requests, and file closures.

PRINCIPAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Executive Director, Chief Counsel, Deputy Chief Counsel, Chief Operating Officer, staff attorneys, paralegals, office manager and support staff, clients, client community, funders, the judiciary, service agencies, bar association(s), and court personnel.