Paralegal

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change.

Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aid has provided high-quality legal aid to vulnerable, low-income people and communities – helping to remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and reach their goals. MLA also identifies and seeks to remedy systemic barriers. MLA’s core work includes eviction and foreclosure prevention, family law, children’s rights, consumer protection, securing public benefits, and access to healthcare. MLA advocates operate primarily through the courts, via individual representation of indigent clients, but also engage in impact litigation, public communication and outreach, and policy advocacy.

Through this holistic approach, Maryland Legal Aid serves to amplify the voices of tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders each year and seeks to be a leader in the legal services field nationwide. 

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) announces a full-time paralegal position available in the Baltimore City Office to qualified applicants. The position is for a paralegal to assist, under the supervision of an attorney, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault protective orders, longer-term family law cases such as divorce and/or custody, and assisting with other issues such as housing and consumer issues that are related to the violence or abuse or financial fraud or abuse. The paralegal will be assigned to the Baltimore City office, but will also work on-site in Baltimore, Howard and Carroll County offices of our grant partners.  This is a grant-funded position awarded through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), administered through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention.

 Under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals handle all functions related to casework from initial intake through representation of clients at administrative and other hearings permitted by law. Paralegals work with attorneys on cases or projects, and some may perform non-casework functions. Tasks assigned to paralegals may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Screen clients for eligibility and make referrals, as appropriate.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients and witnesses, which may include visits to homes and other community locations. 
• Conduct factual investigations and analysis, and legal research.
• Perform litigation support, such as preparing discovery; drafting pleadings, correspondence, and other documents; and supporting attorneys at trial.
• Assist in or develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
• Provide administrative support, including scheduling appointments and hearings.
• Conduct community and institutional outreach and education. 
• Perform other duties, as assigned, within the scope of the essential functions of the position.

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, with flexible options for remote work. Certain work duties may be performed in community settings.

Salary and Benefits

The current salary range for the paralegal classification is $51,500.00 - $91,258.00. Paralegals will be paid according to the MLA’s Workers Union’s current salary scale, which is subject to annual revision through collective bargaining negotiations. For example:

• The salary for a paralegal with one (1) year of experience is $52,494. 
• The salary for a paralegal with three (3) years of experience is $54,482. 
• The salary for a paralegal with five (5) years of experience is $56,470. 

Additional compensation is available for those with Bachelors’ and/or Masters’ degrees, and for staff with foreign language competencies. In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, 3 weeks paid time off, 14 annual paid holidays, a hybrid work arrangement, and more.

Additional Requirements:

• Current Resume
• Cover letter explaining your skills and interest in the position
• References will be required at the time of the final interview

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Maryland Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace, reflective of our core values, for all employees.

Anyone interested in applying must submit their application online.