Staff Attorney

Salary Range: $74,575.00 To $115,112.00 Annually

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 staff attorney position in the Baltimore County Office located in Towson, Maryland. This position handles a wide array of legal advocacy for low-income individuals with an emphasis on issues impacting older adults. Responsibilities range from handling intakes to the representation of clients before the Maryland District, Circuit, and appellate and, as well as federal courts, and all relevant administrative agencies. The attorney will also provide outreach and education to key stakeholders and Maryland Legal Aid's client population. Additionally, the staff attorney will assist, as needed, in clinics (e.g. Lawyer in the Library, expungement clinics, etc.). The staff attorney will collaborate with community organizations and groups to meet the needs of clients. The staff attorney is expected to attend trainings as necessary to perform job duties. Participation in Maryland Legal Aid task forces and other internal and external committees is expected. The staff attorney will be expected to perform any and all other duties in other legal practice areas as needed from time to time.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Screen clients for eligibility and make referrals, as appropriate.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
• Conduct factual investigation and analysis as well as legal research.
• Advise clients of results of investigation and research and counsel clients regarding their options.
• Draft pleadings to include complaints, answers, counter-complaints, memoranda of law, and briefs.
• Develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
• Prepare cases and represent clients during negotiations and in hearings, trials, and appeals.
• Work with various community groups as assigned by the supervisor.
• Continue professional development and education through attendance at Maryland Legal Aid sponsored training and other programs.
• Maintain case records for clients in the LegalServer case management system.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or admitted in another jurisdiction and immediately eligible for admission in the State of Maryland.
• 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 provide quality legal advocacy and representation for low-income, diverse client base.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed.

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.