Director of Advocacy for Family Law

Maryland Legal Aid seeks an experienced family law attorney for the Director of Advocacy for Family Law position. Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aid has provided high-quality legal services to low-income people and communities, and vulnerable individuals – helping to remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability, independence, and reach their goals.

About the role

The Director of Advocacy for Family Law will provide training and substantive guidance for legal staff on litigation at all stages, including appeals, help craft strategies that will have an impact on the law, and provide important updates on advancements in family law. The position will be based in Maryland Legal Aid’s Baltimore headquarters but will work with legal staff in the program’s 12 offices located throughout the State.

Under the direction of the Legal Director, the Director of Advocacy for Family Law will be part of MLA’s Statewide Advocacy Support (SAS) Unit, which includes five Directors of Advocacy with expertise in administrative law, children’s rights, consumer law, family law, and housing and community development. These Directors are considered leaders in their substantive areas, mentoring legal staff and developing strategies to address systemic barriers experienced by clients across the state.

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, and ensure high quality and high impact statewide legal advocacy.
• Provide substantive guidance and support to legal staff to ensure they are updated on statutory and procedural changes in family law and to assist in their professional growth.
• Guide, mentor, and participate in complex litigation and appeals in the area of family law.
• Collaborate with the Statewide Advocacy Directors and provide direct supervision to dedicated family law staff and special projects within the SAS unit.
• Expand and elevate MLA’s advocacy work by working with partners, stakeholders, the public, and the national legal services community in the area of family law.
• Assist with the strategic use of data and technology to monitor trends and ensure effective advocacy strategies in family law.
• Advise the Executive Director and any designees concerning proposed changes in state family law or governmental policy proposals that may affect clients of Maryland Legal Aid.
• Recommend and participate in training or task forces concerning family law.
• Identify trends in state and national family law cases to strategically inform case decisions.

Requirements

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Current Bar membership in good standing to practice law in any state; Maryland preferred. If licensed in another state, a commitment to obtain licensure in Maryland after hire.
• Federal and state litigation experience, including experience with appeals, in family law.
• Deep knowledge and appreciation for the unique needs of MLA’s family law clients, including victims of domestic violence, low-income individuals seeking custody, and/or those facing significant income disparities with the opposing party in family law litigation.
• 7+ years of legal experience with working knowledge of legal aid programs.
• Genuine passion and deep commitment for the mission of Maryland Legal Aid and to stay current on developments in family law.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, advise, coach, and give constructive feedback to legal staff at all levels.
• Significant experience effectively using current technology and remote communications to supervise and, as needed, co-counsel with staff located in multiple offices.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to partner with a team of professionals across offices.
• Experience advocating for policy reform at the federal, state, and/or local level.
• Willingness to spend significant time in offices across the state as needed and to travel to conferences.