Staff Attorney

About the role

Maryland Center for Legal Assistance (MCLA) expands access to justice by providing free, compassionate, innovative, and high-quality legal services. Through comprehensive legal advice, education, and collaboration with community partners, we empower all people, regardless of means or background, to navigate the civil legal system with confidence. MCLA, through a contract with the Maryland Judiciary, operates Court Help Centers throughout Maryland to provide legal advice to civil litigants in person and via phone, chat, email, and videoconference. The Help Centers deal with a wide range of civil legal matters, including landlord-tenant, consumer matters such as debt collection and credit card cases, child support, and criminal record expungements to remove barriers to obtaining housing, employment, and child custody. Job Summary: MCLA announces an immediate opening for a full-time Staff Attorney position in the District Court Help Center in Frederick, MD. Successful candidates will demonstrate an ability to handle a broad range of duties in a timely manner. Work duties are typically performed in a general office setting with regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, instant messaging, email, and in person. Certain work duties may be performed in a community setting or remotely.

Responsibilities

• Provide brief legal advice and information to self-represented litigants in connection with civil legal issues, including Landlord and Tenant Matters, Civil Claims, Expungement and Shielding of Records, Consumer Matters, Return of Property, Domestic Violence/Peace Orders, Family Law, and Foreclosure.
• Assist self-represented litigants in drafting their pleadings and motions, preparing for trial, completing court forms, and understanding court documents and the law.
• Provide referrals to appropriate legal service organizations, agencies, and lawyer referral services wherever appropriate.
• Local travel as needed between our various offices.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position's essential functions.

Requirements

• Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland.
• One year or more of civil litigation experience; clinical or clerkship experience will be considered.
• Ability to conduct rapid legal research using Westlaw.
• Strong customer service skills, including the ability to empathize with and assist people who are distressed.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts in simple terms.
• Ability to travel to different offices on short notice.
• Fluency in Spanish and American Sign Language strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Health