Staff Attorney

Legal Aid Bureau•Landover, MD

12d•$76,812 - $118,565•Hybrid

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, 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

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 the next scheduled bar exam following the 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through representation of clients in all relevant courts and proceedings.
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 the results of the investigation, research, and counsel clients regarding their options.
Maintain client case records 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.