Staff Attorney

Legal Aid Bureau • Hughesville, MD

just now • Hybrid

About The Position

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) is a non-profit organization that advocates for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change. Established in 1911, MLA provides high-quality legal aid to vulnerable, low-income individuals and communities, addressing civil legal issues such as eviction and foreclosure prevention, family law, children’s rights, consumer protection, public benefits, and healthcare access. MLA operates primarily through individual client representation in courts, but also engages in impact litigation, public communication, outreach, and policy advocacy. This holistic approach aims to amplify the voices of economically disadvantaged Marylanders and position MLA as a leader in legal services. MLA is seeking a full-time general practice staff attorney for its Southern Maryland office in Hughesville, MD. Staff attorneys manage all aspects of casework, from initial intake to client representation in various courts and proceedings. They may collaborate with other legal professionals and are responsible for maintaining case files according to MLA standards. Staff attorneys may also participate in community outreach and education to identify clients needing representation.

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 and experience in family, housing and consumer law.
• 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.

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 the results of the investigation and research and counsel clients regarding their options.
• Draft pleadings to include complaints, answers, and counter-complaints, etc.
• Draft 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• The current salary range for the staff attorney classification is $76,812 - $118,565.
• 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 $77,966.
• three (3) years of experience is $80,273.
• five (5) years of experience is $82,580.
• Salary placements for attorneys are on the earliest date of admission to a U.S. state bar, assuming eligibility to practice (either under the Maryland bar or under Rule 15 if another state bar) and continuous full-time legal work experience following the date of admission.
• MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan that includes employer contributions, three weeks paid time off, sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, a hybrid work arrangement, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees