Staff Attorney - Protective Order Advocacy and Representation Project -Baltimore City and County

Position Summary:  The House of Ruth Maryland Domestic Violence Legal Clinic (the Clinic) provides free legal services to survivors of intimate partner violence in order to help them gain safety and independence from their abusive partners.  The Clinic seeks applicants who are passionate about ending domestic violence and interested in public interest law.  This is an entry-level position which offers intensive training in Maryland’s protective order statute, family law issues, and trial skills and technique.

Position Description:  The Staff Attorney – Protective Order Advocacy and Representation Project (POARP) advises and represents survivors of intimate partner violence in protective order proceedings in Maryland’s District and circuit courts, as well as in related matters such as contempt, modification, extension and shielding hearings.  The Staff Attorney works on-site in the Clinic’s offices located in the Baltimore County (Catonsville) and Baltimore City (Eastside) courthouses, which enables the Staff Attorney to provide immediate legal intervention to clients on a walk-in basis and to develop meaningful connections to courthouse personnel.

Primary Responsibilities:

Provide high-quality, trauma-informed representation to survivors of intimate partner violence in protective order cases, and in related contempt, modification, extension and shielding hearings.

Conduct comprehensive consultations with potential clients, which include a thorough interview about recent and past incidents of abuse, safety planning, lethality assessment, and referrals to appropriate community and legal resources.

Provide prompt, compassionate services to clients on a walk-in basis and via phone.

Maintain the Clinic’s client database and systems used for tracking clients’ cases.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

J.D. from accredited law school

Admitted to practice and in good standing with the Bar of Maryland

Demonstrated commitment to ending domestic violence

Successful background check

Compensation and Benefits:

At this time, the starting salary is fixed by grant funding at the rate of $71,135 annually.

Classroom and experiential training in domestic violence law, trial skills and technique, basic family law

Medical, dental and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability; life insurance

403(b) – includes employer contribution and match

Paid time off – vacation, personal, sick, paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program

And more...