What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney - Community Lawyering & Development position at Legal Aid Bureau?
Job Description
Job Description
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’s team of over 90 paralegals strives to level the legal playing field so that those most in need achieve equal access to justice. Because of our staff’s drive, expertise, and commitment to serve communities across the state, MLA is able to uplift the experiences of tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders every year before judges, legislators, and government officials.
JOB SUMMARY :
MLA seeks an experienced attorney to practice in its newly formed Community Lawyering and Development unit. Community Lawyering and Development (CLD) is part of MLA’s Statewide Advocacy Support team, which focuses on systemic impact work throughout Maryland.
The CLD attorney will use legal advocacy to help achieve solutions to community-identified issues. These solutions may involve litigation, negotiation, policy advocacy, or other conflict resolution methods that center community needs, build local leadership, and provide long lasting or systemic change. The position will involve some traditional lawyering tasks, such as intake and litigation, but will heavily focus on group representation and community outreach. The ideal candidate is passionate about identifying legal solutions that elevate the expertise and experiences of low-income people.
The office location is in Baltimore City, but the CLD attorney can expect to work throughout the state.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
- Develop case theories and legal strategies for client representation that achieve success beyond the courtroom by building lasting power in the community.
- Provide individual representation in district and circuit courts, administrative proceedings, and other forums.
- Advise and represent community organizations and tenant groups.
- Staff community legal clinics, which will include setting up the clinic, as well as conducting client intakes and providing advice.
- Participate in extensive community outreach and education to current and prospective clients and community groups, including listening sessions, canvassing, and Know Your Rights presentations.
- Participate in policy advocacy.
- Work on systemic projects and impact litigation.
- Assist in building out MLA’s community lawyering work by supporting and training other MLA staff.
- Network with partner and community organizations and effectively communicate the services and priorities of MLA.
- Contribute to internal processes such as project management, data gathering, and grant reporting.
- Maintain case records for clients in the LegalServer case management system.
- Continue professional development and education through attendance at Maryland Legal Aid sponsored training and other programs.
QUALIFICATIONS :
Work Environment
This is a hybrid office / home position. Frequent field work with significant travel throughout the state. Occasional weekend and evening hours will be necessary to accommodate community needs.
Benefits
The current salary range for the staff attorney position is $74,575.00 - $115,112.00. Staff attorneys will be paid by MLA’s Workers Union’s current salary scale, which is subject to revision annually through collective bargaining negotiations. For example :
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. In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, two weeks paid time off, sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, a hybrid work arrangement, and more.
To Apply, Please Submit :
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 reflect the communities we serve, including people with disabilities, people of color, women, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
Salary : $75 - $80,175
