Staff Attorney - Tenant Right to Counsel Project (TRCP)

Legal Aid Bureau•Rockville, MD

13d•$76,812 - $118,565•Hybrid

About The Position

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) is seeking a housing attorney for its Tenant Right to Counsel Project (TRCP) in Rockville, MD. This role involves representing low-income clients in housing-related legal matters, including eviction and foreclosure prevention. The attorney will work collaboratively with a team of legal professionals and engage in all aspects of casework, from intake to court representation. The position also involves participation in housing-focused task forces and outreach activities to address systemic issues affecting low-income Marylanders. MLA is dedicated to achieving equity and social justice through high-quality legal services and systemic change.

Requirements

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.
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 three (3) 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

Screen clients for case acceptance and make referrals, as appropriate.
Represent and defend clients in Montgomery District and Circuit Courts.
Represent clients in Housing Law matters.
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, memoranda of law, briefs, etc., as assigned by supervisors and chiefs.
Develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
Maintain case records for clients in the Legal Server case management system.
Prepare cases and represent clients during negotiations and in hearings, trials, and appeals.
Continue professional development and education through attendance at trainings and other programs sponsored by the MLA.
Participate in outreach activities in the community as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.