Staff Attorney - Domestic Law Unit

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, and 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. 

Job Summary

The Domestic Law Unit announces a full-time staff attorney position available to qualified applicants. The staff 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; prepare clients; effectively manage client expectations and must be able to develop a working rapport with people.

The attorney will be part of a team that interviews applicants, answers questions, and provides 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 of all but are not limited to the following:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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 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. Certain work duties may be performed in community settings.

Benefits

The current salary range for the staff attorney position is $76,812.00 - $118,565.00. 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:

• The salary for an attorney with one (1) year of experience is $77,966.
• The salary for an attorney with three (3) years of experience is $80,273.
• The salary for an attorney with five (5) years of experience is $82,580.

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.

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 apply online, please log onto ADP and click on Myself > Talent > Internal Career Center to apply to all job postings.