Chief Attorney

Salary Range: $105,000.00 To $125,000.00 Annually

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) seeks a creative and experienced leader to serve as its Chief Attorney for the Allegany/Garrett County office who will supervise, guide, and lead the office in its provision of high-quality legal services to low-income clients, as well as associated outreach and advocacy. In addition to supervising and mentoring valued staff, Chief Attorneys play a vital role in their communities as well as MLA’s organizational infrastructure, joining the Legal Department’s leadership team and guiding MLA’s work as a whole.

About MLA:

Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aid has provided high-quality legal aid to vulnerable, low-income people and communities – helping to remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and reach their goals. MLA also identifies and seeks to remedy systemic barriers, including systemic racism and discrimination. MLA’s core work includes eviction and foreclosure prevention, family law, children’s rights, consumer protection, and securing public benefits. MLA advocates operate primarily through the courts, via individual representation of indigent clients, but also engages in impact litigation, public communications, and policy advocacy.

Through this holistic approach, MLA is a voice to tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders each year, and a leader in the legal services field nationwide.

Responsibilities:

Staff Supervision and Development

• Provide positive leadership, guidance, and supervision to an office of 9 staff, including staff attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff, plus periodic law clerk and volunteer support;
• Guide the professional development of staff, including co-counseling of cases; reviewing substantive legal work; providing meaningful assessments and evaluation of staff and their advocacy efforts, compliance, caseloads, and productivity;
• Conduct case reviews and assign cases to staff consistent with Maryland Legal Aid’s case acceptance guidelines;
• Oversee the administrative needs of the office, including scheduling, maintenance, and other ad hoc projects;
• Lead hiring efforts to attract talented staff who are committed to the mission and work of MLA;
• Build a cohesive, supportive team that works well with one another, develops objectives and priorities for the office, and maintains open communication;
• Ensure that effective, culturally responsive legal assistance is provided to low-income clients in an efficient, zealous, client-centered, and compassionate manner;
• Conduct impactful advocacy designed to address systemic problems affecting individuals and communities living in poverty;
• Encourage staff engagement with the community through outreach and education;
• Identify and address staff training needs;
• Ensure that staff comply with required timekeeping and grant-reporting obligations;
• Likely carry a limited caseload commensurate with the Chief’s expertise and that accounts for managerial responsibilities for the office.

Strategy and Leadership

• Participate in officewide, statewide, and potentially national task forces and advocacy efforts;
• Develop relationships and deep knowledge of the communities served by the office and the resources available to address client needs;
• Engage community leaders to create connections and enhance MLA’s reputation in the communities served;
• Cultivate effective relationships with the judiciary and private bar;
• Contribute to efforts to increase pro bono representation of clients;
• Participate in and further MLA’s strategic plan, including developing the office’s own plans that align with the plan;
• Ensure administrative and regulatory requirements are met;
• Serve on a statewide management team and strive to improve the overall quality of MLA’s service delivery throughout the state;
• Assist with the MLA’s resource development efforts, including but not limited to identifying possible funding sources, making presentations to funders, and drafting grant applications and progress reports;
• Address client grievances.

Qualifications:

• A law degree and admission to the Maryland Bar, either upon hire or soon after, per the requirements of Maryland’s Rule 19;
• At least five years’ experience in legal services and/or legal management required, seven plus years’ experience preferred;
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills;
• Command of technology, especially Microsoft Office and case management systems;
• Time management and organizational skills;
• Supervision skills, including giving and receiving feedback;
• Well-developed legal issue-spotting;
• Demonstrated commitment to working with the populations served by MLA; direct experience working in MLA's core issue areas a plus;
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging;
• Appellate experience, involvement in the community, and leadership experience preferred.