Staff Attorney – Family Law

House of Ruth Maryland; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

House of Ruth Maryland seeks a Staff Attorney – Family Law to represent survivors in protective orders and family law matters across Maryland. The attorney will provide compassionate, trauma-informed legal services and work closely with in-house staff to ensure safety and independence for survivors.

The position requires a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, a Maryland license, and a minimum of two years’ experience in family law or related litigation.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Maryland; pass a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, client-centered legal representation to survivors in protective order and family law matters.
• Conduct intake consultations, including abuse history, lethality assessment, safety planning, and referrals.
• Deliver prompt, compassionate service from initial contact through case resolution.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant law and court procedure; comply with ethical and legal requirements.
• Maintain client files and the Clinic's database; meet reporting requirements.
• Build relationships with courts, criminal justice agencies, disciplinary bodies, and pro bono partners.
• Represent the Clinic through community education, training, and speaking engagements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Courtroom advocacy

Legal research

Time management

Writing

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Brief Description Position Description: The House of Ruth Maryland (HRM) Domestic Violence Legal Clinic provides free legal services to survivors of intimate partner violence, helping them gain safety and independence from abusive partners. The Staff Attorney – Family Law represents survivors in family law proceedings across Maryland jurisdictions, including Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County, along with related civil matters such as protective order cases. We're looking for an attorney with strong civil litigation experience and a genuine passion for family law who wants to make a difference in the lives of survivors. At least two years of experience practicing family law or equivalent litigation experience is required. HRM provides in-depth training and mentorship on trauma-informed advocacy and family law practice specific to intimate partner violence cases.

Requirements

Licensed to practice law in the State of Maryland; able to pass a criminal background check.

Experience

At least two years' experience practicing intimate partner violence, domestic relations, or criminal law, with strong courtroom advocacy on behalf of survivors. Demonstrated ability to litigate civil protective orders and related contempts, modifications, and appeals, and to handle increasingly complex family law/IPV cases.

Education

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.

Skills

Current knowledge of family law, criminal law, and court procedure. Strong writing, time management, and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment. Computer literate (MS Word, email, internet). Ability to build effective working relationships across diverse clients, staff, and community members, and to travel among HRM and courthouse offices. Spanish language preferred but not required.

Summary

• Provide trauma-informed, client-centered legal representation to survivors of intimate partner violence in protective order and family law matters, including related contempt, modification, and appellate proceedings.
• Conduct intake consultations, including abuse history, lethality assessment, safety planning, and referrals.
• Deliver prompt, compassionate service from initial contact through case resolution.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant law and court procedure, and comply with all ethical and legal requirements for attorneys.
• Maintain client files and the Clinic's database, and meet reporting requirements set by the Clinic Director and funders.
• Build relationships with courts, criminal justice agencies, the legal community, and pro bono partners to improve services for survivors.
• Represent the Clinic through community education, training, and speaking engagements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.