Paralegal

Maryland Center for Legal Assistance; Annapolis (MD); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Maryland Center for Legal Assistance (MCLA) announces an immediate opening for two full-time Paralegal/Referral Coordinators. The reporting location will be determined by the geographical location of the candidate chosen and this position will be hybrid/remote.

Under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals will facilitate referrals between MCLA and other legal services organizations. Paralegals may work with attorneys on projects to develop relationships with referral partners, and some may

Qualifications

• Paralegal certificate or 4-year degree required or preferred.
• Must have basic written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to conduct rapid legal research using WestLaw.
• Fluency in Spanish and American Sign Language strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Screen clients for eligibility.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
• Make referrals, as appropriate.
• Schedule appointments, hearings, etc.
• Conduct factual investigation and analysis, and legal research.
• Prepare documents and correspondence.
• Assist in or develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
• Provide community and institutional outreach education.

Skills

Paralegal certificate

4-year degree

Written and oral communication

WestLaw research

Spanish fluency

American Sign Language

Education

Paralegal certificate

4-year degree

Tools

WestLaw

Job description

Full-time

Maryland Center for Legal Assistance (MCLA) expands access to justice by providing free, compassionate, innovative, and high-quality legal services. Through comprehensive legal advice, education, and collaboration with community partners, we empower all people, regardless of means or background, to navigate the civil legal system with confidence.

MCLA, through a contract with the Maryland Judiciary, operates Court Help Centers throughout Maryland to provide in-person and remote legal advice to civil litigants via phone, chat, email, and video conference. The Help Centers deal with a wide range of civil legal matters, including landlord-tenant, consumer matters such as debt collection and credit card cases, child support, and criminal record expungements to remove barriers to obtaining housing, employment, and child custody.

Job Summary

MCLA announces an immediate opening for two full-time Paralegal/Referral Coordinators. The reporting location will be determined by the geographical location of the candidate chosen and this position will be hybrid/remote. Under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals for this position will be facilitating referrals between MCLA and other legal services organizations. Paralegals may be expected to work together with attorneys on projects to develop relationships with referrals partners. Some paralegals may perform exclusively or primarily non-casework functions. Tasks assigned to paralegals may include any or all, but not limited to the following:

Duties and Responsibilities

• Screen clients for eligibility.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
• Make referrals, as appropriate.
• Schedule appointments, hearings, etc.
• Conduct factual investigation and analysis, and legal research.
• Prepare documents and correspondence.
• Assist in or develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
• Provide community and institutional outreach education.

Qualifications

• Paralegal certificate or 4-year degree and prior paralegal experience preferred.
• Must have basic written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to conduct rapid legal research using WestLaw.
• Fluency in Spanish and American Sign Language strongly preferred.

Work Environment

Work duties are typically performed in a general office setting with regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, instant messaging and email, and in-person. Certain work duties may be performed in community settings.

Salary & Benefits

The current salary range for the paralegal classification is $53,045 - $93,996.

Paralegals will be paid in accordance with MLA’s Workers Union's current salary scale, which is subject to annual revision through collective bargaining negotiations. Relevant professional experience counts toward salary determination. Paralegals are eligible for additional compensation for conferred degrees and certificates ranging from ($500 - $4000). For example:

• one (1) year of experience is $54, 069.
• three (3) years of experience is $56, 116.
• five (5) years of experience is $58, 164.

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

Additional Requirements

• Cover letter and updated resume required of all applicants.
• 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.

Salary Description

$53,045 - $93,996