Staff Attorney - Consumer & Administrative Law

Salary Range: $74,575.00 To 112,115.00 Annually

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) provides life-changing civil legal assistance to eligible residents in every part of the State. Since 1911, MLA has provided high-quality legal services to low-income, and marginalized individuals and communities–helping them remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and an overall better life.

MLA is dedicated to preserving the basic human needs and basic human rights of clients, particularly as they navigate the justice system. MLA staff, pro bono attorneys, community partners, and general supporters all play important roles in ensuring that the legal playing field is leveled so that those most in need achieve equal access to justice. It is because of this diverse support that MLA is able to be a voice to tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders every year.

JOB SUMMARY

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) announces a full-time, general staff attorney position in the Baltimore County Office located in Towson, Maryland. This position handles a wide array of legal advocacy to low-income individuals with an emphasis on consumer and administrative law cases. Responsibilities range from handling intakes to the representation of clients before the District, Circuit, appellate and federal courts, and all relevant administrative agencies. The attorney will also provide outreach and education to key stakeholders and Maryland Legal Aid's client population. Additionally, the staff attorney will assist, as needed, in clinics (i.e. Lawyer in the Library, Expungement Clinics, etc.). The staff attorney will collaborate with community organizations and groups to meet the needs of clients. The staff attorney is expected to attend trainings as necessary to perform job duties. Participation in Legal Aid Task Forces and other internal and external committees is expected. The staff attorney will be expected to perform any and all other duties in other legal practice areas as needed from time to time.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Screen clients for eligibility and make referrals, as appropriate.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
• Conduct factual investigation and analysis as well as 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, appeals and administrative proceedings.
• Continue professional development and education through attendance at Legal Aid sponsored training and other programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or admitted in another jurisdiction and eligible for admission in the State of Maryland. Out-of-State attorneys must be able and available to take the next scheduled bar exam following the date of employment.
• 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 provide quality legal advocacy and representation for low-income, diverse client base.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed.

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

BENEFITS

Staff Attorneys will be paid in accordance with MLA’s Workers Union current salary scale, which is subject to revision annually through collective bargaining negotiations. For example:

• one (1) year of experience is $75,695.
• five (5) years of experience is $80,175.
• ten (10) years of experience is $85,009.

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. The current salary range for the staff attorney classification is $74,575.00 - $115,112.00.

In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan that includes employer contributions, 2 weeks paid time off, sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, a standard 35-hour work week, a hybrid work arrangement, and more.

To apply, please provide:

• A current resume
• A legal writing sample
• A cover letter describing your interest and qualifications

The position will remain open until filled. Anyone interested in applying must apply online, please log onto ADP and click on Myself > Talent > Internal Career Center.

Anyone interested in applying must send an updated resume and cover letter to Janine Scott, Chief Attorney, at jscott@mdlab.org, and John “Jack” Butler, Supervising Attorney, at jbutler@mdlab.org.

Maryland Legal Aid is committed to equity, justice, and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, MLA seeks to hire individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives that reflect the communities we serve, including people with disabilities, people of color, women, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.