Staff Attorney - Family Law, Domestic Violence Program

Join Our Team at SARC!

Are you passionate about creating a safer, more supportive community? SARC (The Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center) is seeking dedicated individuals to join us in our mission to be Harford County’s lifeline for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and stalking.

About SARC:

Established in 1978 through grassroots efforts, SARC has been at the forefront of providing essential services and support to those in need. From our humble beginnings, we've evolved into a comprehensive resource center offering shelter, advocacy, legal support, community outreach, and education services. At SARC, we believe in fostering an environment of trust, respect, and inclusivity, regardless of race, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or economic circumstances.

About the Role:  SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY

As a Staff Attorney at SARC, you will play a vital role in providing legal services to our clients. Responsibilities include:

·         Represents clients in court in family law matters, including divorce and/or custody, as well as some protection orders, as needed

·         Advocates on behalf of clients with court personnel, evaluators, and agencies.

·         Gathers evidence in protective order, divorce, custody, and other cases to formulate defense or to initiate legal action.

·         Conducts research, interviews clients, and witnesses and handles other details in preparation for trial.

·         Prepares and files/e-files legal pleadings, and briefs and develops strategies, arguments and testimony in preparation for trial.

·         Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals.

·         Provides legal counseling to clients on a variety of matters, not limited to, but including filing complaints and pro se preparation

·         Develops ongoing safety plans for clients

·         Maintains accurate and up-to-date records, docketing, and statistics on all clients.

·         Assumes responsibility of scheduled and unscheduled Helpline calls

·         Assist with unscheduled clients/walk-ins.

·         Collaborates in the auditing and closing process of inactive clients.

·         Assists Director with grant reporting

·         Occasionally assists the Director of Legal Services in the supervision of Legal Advocates/Paralegals.

·         Other duties as assigned by management.

 

Schedule:

Full-time. Hybrid, Flexible Schedule.

 

Salary: 

$75,000-$78,000

Requirements

Necessary Skills:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.
  
• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints orally and in writing, and the ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial issues to the court and/or public groups.
  
• Excellent listening skills.
  
• Ability to perform basic mathematical equations, including those involving units of American currency, plus the ability to understanding the compilation of statistical data.
  
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, plus the ability to interpret legal documents, statutes, case law, and legislative history.
  

 

 

Requirements for Consideration:

• Graduate of an ABA Accredited Law School with a Juris Doctorate and knowledge of civil, criminal, and domestic law.
  
• Must be a member in good standing of Maryland Bar.
  
• Experience practicing family law.
  

Preferred Experience:

3 years of experience working on divorce/custody cases. Grant writing experience helpful but not required.

Benefits

What We Offer You:

• Enjoy 11 paid holidays plus two floating holidays for full-time positions, and 1 floating holiday for part-time roles.
  
• Receive up to 112 hours of accrued vacation time in your first year of employment (part-time positions working under 10 hours/week are not eligible).
  
• Access up to 96 hours of sick leave annually (part-time roles working under 10 hours/week are not eligible).
  
• Choose from 3 Health Plan options, with a generous employer HSA contribution.
  
• Benefit from 100% employer-paid premiums for the standard health insurance plan for individual coverage.
  
• Take advantage of dental and vision insurance, dependent care FSA, voluntary life and AD&D coverage.
  
• Receive an employer-paid parking pass for added convenience.
  

These benefits are designed to support your well-being and ensure you have the resources you need to thrive both personally and professionally.

 

Salary

• $75,000 - $78,000/year