Staff Attorney, Special Education Project

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS), founded in 1981, is the oldest and largest volunteer legal services organization in Maryland. Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) removes barriers to justice through free civil legal help, community engagement, and advocacy for equitable laws. Our vision is for a fair legal system that is free of injustice and equitably serves underrepresented Marylanders. We achieve this goal primarily through our core pro bono program and more targeted programs that serve specialized legal needs. For more program information, visit our website: www.mvlslaw.org.

MVLS’ core values are teamwork, passion for MVLS’ mission, commitment to clients, volunteers, and community partners, initiative and commitment to eliminate systemic barriers to justice based on race and economic disparities. MVLS is committed to fostering an inclusive culture in the workplace. Our work to end barriers to justice starts with increasing the racial diversity of our staff to better reflect the communities we serve.

The Special Education Project is designed to match children with disabilities and their families with advocates, consultants, or attorneys to assist them with establishing and maintaining individualized educational program (IEP) to support their educational success. Funding for this position is contingent on an annual appropriation from the Governor.

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee administering the Special Education Fund including vetting potential panel members, recruiting panel members, and conducting final review and approval for all Fund payments.
• Provide support and advice to panel of advocates, consultants and attorneys, including answering questions, reviewing documents.
• Provide representation to a limited number of individuals in special education matters.
• Conduct trainings and create educational materials for panel members and community partners on special education related topics.
• Client centered advocacy work with agencies, community partners and legislators.
• Conduct program outreach to community-based nonprofits and agencies providing services to our clients as needed.
• Develop self-help materials for unrepresented individuals.
• Prepare required reporting for special education grant.
• Supervise the Special Education Project Advocate
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Job Skills

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Able to work with diverse client population and private attorneys, consultants, and advocates, and to collaborate with legal partners and other community organizations and agencies.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly.
• Ability to think creatively and holistically.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.

Professional Experience:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Must be admitted to the Maryland Bar and in good standing, or barred in another state and willing to take the Maryland bar.
• One year of special education law experience preferred but not required.
• Spanish language proficiency is desirable.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and case management software.
• Demonstrated commitment through work experience, lived experience or volunteer experience to communities, such as: Children, Domestic workers, Economically disadvantaged people, Immigrants and refugees, Incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, LGBTQ people, People of color, People with disabilities, People with HIV/AIDS, Sex workers, Victims of crime and abuse, and Women and girls.