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.

MLA’s Statewide Advocacy Support Unit announces an immediate opening for a full-time staff attorney position reporting to the Director of Advocacy for Children’s Rights. This is a floater position that handles all duties related to casework, from initial intake through representation of child clients before all relevant agencies and/or courts. Maintain case files in accordance with MLA standards. Represent indigent residents residing in certain child-focused Mental Hygiene Administration (MHA) inpatient facilities. Work with other attorneys, law graduates, paralegals, social workers, and students on cases and/or projects. Tasks assigned to staff attorneys may include any or all of, but are not necessarily limited to the following: 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES: 

Child Advocacy/Children in Need of Assistance cases: 

• Screen clients for eligibility and make referrals, as appropriate. 
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
• Conduct factual investigations and analyses, and legal research. 
• Advise clients of results of investigations and research and counsel clients about their options, 
• Prepare pleadings, including, complaints, answers, memoranda of law, and briefs.
• Develop case theories and strategies for the representation of clients. 
• Prepare cases and represent clients in negotiations, hearings, trials and appeals. 
• Work with community groups and accept speaking engagements as assigned by supervisor. 
• Participate in professional development and education through attendance at MLA and other sponsored trainings and programs. 

MHA related cases: 

• Represent clients in a wide range of proceedings, including, but not limited to, admissions hearings, reviews of annual re-evaluations, the filing of writs of habeas corpus or petitions for release, transfer hearings, appeals of denial for benefits/entitlements, and administrative appeals of Clinical Review Panel decisions. 
• Represent residents within the Resident Grievance System (RGS) and in Rights Issues. 
• Assist in referring residents for general civil claims.
• Assist with annual case reviews and quarterly informational meetings of the facility population. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or admitted in another jurisdiction and eligible for admission in the State of Maryland. 
• 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.
• One (1) to three (3) years of post-bar admission legal experience is preferred but not required.
• Prior experience in public-interest litigation or providing nonprofit legal services is a plus.
• Spanish language proficiency is desirable.

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. Certain work duties may be performed in community settings.

BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $66,585.00 - $106,585.00. In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, 2 weeks paid time off, paid sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, and more! Future flexibility regarding a hybrid work arrangement is a possibility after the onboarding period. Eligibility to apply for the Maryland Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP).

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 time of the final interview. 
• No telephone calls please. 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.