Staff Attorney

Maryland Legal Aid; Cumberland (MD); On-site; USD 79,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Legal Aid is seeking a staff attorney to handle casework from intake to court representation. You will collaborate with attorneys, law graduates, paralegals, and social workers while maintaining case files to MLA standards.

The role includes conducting client interviews, legal research, drafting pleadings, and representing clients in hearings and appeals across Maryland. Travel within the state is required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in Maryland or eligible for admission; out-of-state attorneys must sit for next bar exam.
• Knowledge of civil law, judicial procedures, and evidence rules.
• Proficient in Office 365 (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong research, writing, and communication abilities.
• Able to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to represent low-income, diverse clients; travel in Maryland.

Responsibilities

• Screen clients for eligibility and refer as appropriate.
• Conduct initial and ongoing client interviews.
• Perform factual investigation and legal research.
• Advise clients on results and options.
• Draft pleadings and memoranda; develop case strategy.
• Prepare cases for negotiations, hearings, and appeals.
• Represent clients in hearings and administrative proceedings.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and training.
• Perform other duties within the essential functions of the role.

Skills

Excellent research

Critical thinking

Writing

Communication skills

Legal advocacy

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Tools

Office 365

Job description

Description

Staff attorneys handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through representation of clients in all relevant courts and proceedings. Staff attorneys may be expected to work on cases or projects with other attorneys, law graduates, law clerks, legal assistants, paralegals, social workers, and students. Staff attorneys must maintain all case files in accordance with MLA standards and may be required to participate in community outreach and education, which will include collaborations with other attorneys at community outreach sites with the goal of identifying clients who need representation in court. Tasks assigned to staff attorneys may include any or all but are not necessarily limited to the following:

Staff attorneys handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through representation of clients in all relevant courts and proceedings. Staff attorneys may be expected to work on cases or projects with other attorneys, law graduates, law clerks, legal assistants, paralegals, social workers, and students. Staff attorneys must maintain all case files in accordance with MLA standards and may be required to participate in community outreach and education, which will include collaborations with other attorneys at community outreach sites with the goal of identifying clients who need representation in court. Tasks assigned to staff attorneys may include any or all but are not necessarily limited to the following:

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Salary Description

$79,116 - 122,122