Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates for Marylanders experiencing poverty, providing free civil legal services to achieve equity and social justice. The Staff Attorney will work within the Tenant Right to Counsel Project, focusing on preventing eviction and homelessness through direct legal representation and community outreach.
Responsibilities
- Handle a full caseload of full representation and same-day representation in court proceedings for Failure to Pay Rent, Tenant Holding Over, and Breach of Lease eviction cases. This work involves routine trial practice, communication with clients, communication with administrative agencies on behalf of clients, negotiations, frequent writing for litigation, and occasional discovery and depositions
- Advocate before administrative agencies, including local housing authorities and the state Department of Housing and Community Development. This includes representation of clients in “Section 8” terminations of assistance
- Participate in client intake in person, by phone, and at community outreach initiatives
- Maintain case records for clients in the LegalServer case management system
- Continue professional development and education through participation in trainings and other programs sponsored by Maryland Legal Aid
- Assist with broader advocacy efforts, as needed, including through policy advocacy, print media, broadcast media, social media, public speaking, and participation in coalitions and strategic partnerships
- Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position’s essential functions
Skills
- 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 ABA-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 the ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet regular deadlines in a fast-paced environment while balancing a full workload
- Ability to provide quality legal advocacy and representation for a low-income, diverse client base
- Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed
- Knowledge of Westlaw Edge or other legal research software is a plus
- One (1) to seven (7) years of post-bar admission legal experience is preferred but not required
- Prior experience and/or interest in public-interest litigation, or non-profit legal services is a plus
Benefits
- Health
- Dental
- Vision
- Life insurance
- A 401(k)-retirement plan
- Three weeks paid time off
- Sick leave
- 14 annual paid holidays
- A hybrid work arrangement
Company Overview
Maryland Legal Aid is a non-profit organization that provides civil legal services to less income people. It was founded in 1911, and is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, with a workforce of 201-500 employees. Its website is https://www.mdlab.org.
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