Pro Se Prisoner Rights Attorney

United States Courts; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term care

Flexible spending accounts

Paid leave

Parental leave

Retirement plan (FERS/TSP)

Parking near courthouse

Student loan forgiveness

Job summary

The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland is seeking a Pro se Staff Attorney to assist judges with prisoner civil rights complaints and habeas petitions, including screening, research, and drafting opinions and orders.

The role reports to Supervising Staff Attorney and Chief Judge and is contingent on funding. Responsibilities include substantive screening, drafting opinions, case management, and advising judges on legal issues in prisoner cases, with emphasis on staying current on

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Strong academic background and demonstrated research and writing ability.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a variety of people in person and on the phone.
• Excellent organizational skills and experience handling multiple tasks and projects.
• Ability to work with strict deadlines and in a fast-paced environment.
• Maturity, good judgment, and high ethical standards.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player, with a positive work attitude.

Responsibilities

• Substantive screening of prisoner civil rights complaints and habeas petitions.
• Drafting appropriate proposed opinions and orders for review by District Judges, including rulings on motions to dismiss and for summary judgment, and drafts of final habeas opinions.
• Case management, including monitoring dockets to ensure the proper progress of cases.
• Providing information, guidance, and advice to judges and chambers law clerks on legal issues relating to prisoner cases.
• Keeping current on the law and legislation affecting prisoner litigation.
• Assisting staff with interpretation of pleadings filed by self-represented litigants.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Organizational skills

Deadline-driven

Independent work

Education

Law degree from an accredited law school

Job description

The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland is seeking a Pro se Staff Attorney to assist judges with prisoner civil rights complaints and habeas petitions, including screening, research, and drafting opinions and orders.

The role reports to Supervising Staff Attorney and Chief Judge and is contingent on funding. Responsibilities include substantive screening, drafting opinions, case management, and advising judges on legal issues in prisoner cases, with emphasis on staying current on