Staff Attorney - Tenant Right to Counsel Project

Legal Aid Bureau • Easton, MD

103d • $76,812 - $118,565

About The Position

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change. 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. MLA’s core work includes eviction and foreclosure prevention, family law, children’s rights, consumer protection, and securing public benefits, and access to healthcare. MLA advocates operate primarily through the courts, via individual representation of indigent clients, but also engage in impact litigation, public communication and outreach, and policy advocacy. Through this holistic approach, Maryland Legal Aid serves to amplify the voices of tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders each year and seeks to be a leader in the legal services field nationwide.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Westlaw Edge or other legal research software is a plus.
• One (1) to seven (7) years of post-bar admission legal experience is preferred but not required.
• Prior experience and/or interest in public-interest litigation, or non-profit legal services is a plus.
• Spanish language proficiency is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Handle a full caseload of full representation and same-day representation in court proceedings for Failure to Pay Rent, Tenant Holding Over, and Breach of Lease eviction cases.
• Advocate before administrative agencies, including local housing authorities and the state Department of Housing and Community Development.
• Participate in client intake in person, by phone, and at community outreach initiatives.
• Maintain case records for clients in the LegalServer case management system.
• Continue professional development and education through participation in trainings and other programs sponsored by Maryland Legal Aid.
• Assist with broader advocacy efforts, as needed, including through policy advocacy, print media, broadcast media, social media, public speaking, and participation in coalitions and strategic partnerships.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position’s essential functions.

Benefits

• The current salary range for the staff attorney position is $76,812 - $118,565.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance.
• 401(k)-retirement plan.
• Three weeks paid time off.
• Sick leave.
• 14 annual paid holidays.
• Hybrid work arrangement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree