Legal Advocate - Baltimore

About the Role

The Legal Advocate provides first contact to victims of intimate partner violence seeking legal services, including protective orders, peace orders, and divorce and custody representation. The Legal Advocate offers legal information, referrals, and advocacy to clients, conducts intakes, lethality assessments, and creates individualized safety plans.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes and provide legal information, referrals, and advocacy services to victims of intimate partner violence.
• Conduct lethality assessments and help every client create an individualized safety plan.
• Assist victims in completing petitions for protective and peace orders, modifications, extensions, divorce and custody complaints, and other legal documents.
• Explain how to file for protective/peace orders and how to file criminal charges.
• Provide information to clients to allow them to represent themselves in protective and peace order proceedings.
• Present client information to POARP attorneys and advocate for representation in legal cases.
• Advocate orally and in writing on behalf of victims in various environments.
• Assist in trial preparation under the supervision of an attorney.
• Conduct conflict checks for persons seeking services from the Legal Clinic.
• Act as a liaison between clients who are witnesses in criminal cases and the local State’s Attorney’s Offices.
• Accompany clients to court for civil and criminal proceedings.
• Travel to courthouse offices to assist attorneys by conducting intakes, answering phones, and other duties as assigned.
• Complete requirements of all grants, including written reports in a timely manner.
• Maintain and update an electronic shared calendar regarding client intakes and upcoming proceedings.
• Acquire and maintain knowledge of family and intimate partner violence law.
• Recruit, train, and supervise interns and volunteers to provide victim advocacy services.
• Conduct follow-up surveys and research inquiries regarding efficacy of representation services.
• Provide clerical and administrative support to courthouse and HRM offices.
• Create and maintain a manual of referrals and resources for use by the agency.
• Assist in fundraising efforts as needed.
• Participate in trainings to stay current on intimate partner violence issues and advocacy.
• Publicize and educate victims about services offered; train and provide technical assistance to staff, probation officers, community organizations, and court personnel.
• Develop and maintain liaisons with court personnel, community, criminal justice system, and other agencies that assist victims.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, law degree, or equivalent advocacy experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and ability to assist and advocate on behalf of victims of intimate partner violence.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Computer literate (MS Word, internet, email).
• Ability to travel among HRM offices and courthouse offices.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of victims of intimate partner violence.
• Ability to meet intake and outreach goals and program objectives in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of civil and domestic law and familiarity with criminal law.
• Ability to master information technology for data entry, word processing, calendar management, and email.
• Ability to manage a high volume of volatile cases in a timely manner.
• Understanding of intimate partner violence and its impact on the client population.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance.
• Prescription plan.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Paid-time off.
• Life insurance.
• 403(b) retirement savings plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.