Staff Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

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.

Job Summary

MLA announces an immediate opening for a full-time general practice staff attorney for in the Prince George’s County office located in Landover, MD.

Staff attorneys handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through representation of clients in all relevant courts and proceedings.

Practice areas include housing, consumer protection, family law, public benefits including unemployment compensation and Social Security disability hearings.

There is some flexibility in practice areas, depending on MLA’s needs and the applicant’s areas of experience and interest.

Staff attorneys may be expected to work on cases or projects with other attorneys, law graduates, law clerks, legal assistants, paralegals, social workers, and students.

Staff attorneys must maintain all case files in accordance with MLA standards and may be required to participate in community outreach and education, which will include collaborations with other attorneys at community outreach sites with the goal of identifying clients who need representation in court.

Tasks assigned to staff attorneys may include any or all but are not necessarily limited to the following :

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Screen clients for eligibility and make referrals as appropriate. Perform administrative duties as needed by the office.
• 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. Maintain case records for clients in the Legal Server case management system.
• Draft pleadings to include complaints, answers, and counter-complaints as well as memoranda of law, briefs, etc.
• Develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
• Prepare cases and represent clients during negotiations and in hearings, trials, appeals and administrative proceedings.
• Work with various community groups, accept speaking engagements, attend outreaches, and draft outreach materials as assigned by the 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 :

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or admitted in another jurisdiction and eligible for admission in the State of Maryland.

Out-of-State attorneys must be able and available to take next scheduled bar exam following date of employment.

• 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. Knowledge of Westlaw Edge or other legal research software is a plus.

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.

Some remote work is also possible. Certain work duties may be performed in community settings.

Benefits

Staff Attorneys will be paid in accordance with MLA’s Workers Union current salary scale, which is subject to revision annually through collective bargaining negotiations. For example :

• one (1) year of experience is $75,695.
• five (5) years of experience is $80,175.
• ten (10) years of experience is $85,009.

The current salary range for the staff attorney classification is $74,575.00 - $115,112.00. In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan that includes employer contributions, 2 weeks paid time off, sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, a hybrid work arrangement, and more.

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 the time of the final interview.
• No telephone calls, please. The position will remain open until filled.

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.