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.
The Domestic Law Unit announces a full-time staff attorney position available to qualified applicants. The staff attorney serves an essential function in MLA’s delivery of high-quality services to Marylanders and is usually the first point of contact for clients.
The attorney will manage full case-handling responsibilities from inception through resolution; independently handle decision making on a case-by-case basis; cultivate relationships with the firm's existing and future clients; analyze case-specific legal issues and documentation; client preparation; effectively manages client expectations and must be able to develop a working rapport with people.
Duties And ResponsibilitiesThe attorney will be part of a team who interview applicants, answer questions, and provide legal assistance in person, online and by telephone. Services include providing legal information on civil cases in the area of Maryland Domestic Law. Staff attorneys may be expected to work with other attorneys, law graduates, legal assistants/ paralegals, social workers, and students. The attorney will maintain case files in accordance with Legal Aid standards. Tasks assigned to staff attorneys may include any or all but are not limited to the following:

• Represent clients as assigned by the court in litigation in all facets of the court process in child custody and divorce cases, handling matters like marital property, alimony, retirement and asset allocation.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews/visits with clients.
• Conduct factual investigation and analysis and legal research.
• Advise clients of results of 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, and appeals.
• Continue professional development and education through attendance at trainings and other programs sponsored by Maryland Legal Aid.
• Maintain case records for clients in the LegalServer case management system.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.

Qualifications

• 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 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 ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet regular deadlines in a fast-paced environment while balancing a full workload.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed.
• Knowledge of Westlaw Edge or other legal research software is a plus.
• At least one (1) to three (3) years of post-bar admission family law legal experience is preferred but not required.
• Prior experience in public-interest litigation or providing nonprofit legal services is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENTWork duties are typically performed in a general hybrid 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.
BenefitsStaff 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 $74,575.
• five (5) years of experience is $80,175.
• ten (10) years of experience is $85,009.

The current salary range for the staff attorney classification is $74,575.00 - $115,112.00.
In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan that includes employer contributions, 2 weeks paid time off, sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, a hybrid work arrangement, and more.
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 the time of the final interview.
• No telephone calls, please. The 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.