Staff Attorney - Community Lawyering & Development

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change. Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aid has worked hand in hand with communities and individual clients to remedy their most fundamental civil legal issues and dismantle the systemic barriers that threaten stability, security, and access to justice for underserved Marylanders. MLA is dedicated to preserving the basic human needs and basic human rights of clients, particularly as they navigate the justice system. MLA’s team of over 90 paralegals strives to level the legal playing field so that those most in need achieve equal access to justice.

About the role

MLA seeks an experienced attorney to practice in its newly formed Community Lawyering and Development unit. Community Lawyering and Development (CLD) is part of MLA’s Statewide Advocacy Support team, which focuses on systemic impact work throughout Maryland. The CLD attorney will use legal advocacy to help achieve solutions to community-identified issues. These solutions may involve litigation, negotiation, policy advocacy, or other conflict resolution methods that center community needs, build local leadership, and provide long lasting or systemic change. The position will involve some traditional lawyering tasks, such as intake and litigation, but will heavily focus on group representation and community outreach. The ideal candidate is passionate about identifying legal solutions that elevate the expertise and experiences of low-income people. The office location is in Baltimore City, but the CLD attorney can expect to work throughout the state.

Responsibilities

• Develop case theories and legal strategies for client representation that achieve success beyond the courtroom by building lasting power in the community.
• Provide individual representation in district and circuit courts, administrative proceedings, and other forums.
• Advise and represent community organizations and tenant groups.
• Staff community legal clinics, which will include setting up the clinic, as well as conducting client intakes and providing advice.
• Participate in extensive community outreach and education to current and prospective clients and community groups, including listening sessions, canvassing, and Know Your Rights presentations.
• Participate in policy advocacy.
• Work on systemic projects and impact litigation.
• Assist in building out MLA’s community lawyering work by supporting and training other MLA staff.
• Network with partner and community organizations and effectively communicate the services and priorities of MLA.
• Contribute to internal processes such as project management, data gathering, and grant reporting.
• Maintain case records for clients in the LegalServer case management system.
• Continue professional development and education through attendance at Maryland Legal Aid sponsored training and other programs.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor 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.
• At least three years’ experience in civil legal aid or direct client work on behalf of low-income clients.
• Commitment to a client-oriented approach to advocacy and ability to work on challenging issues in a compassionate and sensitive manner.
• Prior experience in community or movement lawyering, group representation, and/or organizing strongly preferred.
• Creative problem solver; comfortable with ambiguity, ability to prioritize urgent needs, and flexible enough to switch course to address those priorities.
• Excellent communicator who centers listening as part of any conversation.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Teams.
• Applicant must have access to a vehicle to perform field work.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid office/home position. Frequent field work with significant travel throughout the state. Occasional weekend and evening hours will be necessary to accommodate community needs.

Pay

The current salary range for the staff attorney position is $74,575.00 - $115,112.00. Staff attorneys will be paid by MLA’s Workers Union’s current salary scale, which is subject to revision annually through collective bargaining negotiations. For example:

• The salary for an attorney with one (1) year of experience is $75,695.
• The salary for an attorney with three (3) years of experience is $77,935.
• The salary for an attorney with five (5) years of experience is $80,175.

Salary placements for attorneys are on the earliest date of admission to a U.S. state bar, assuming eligibility to practice (either under the Maryland bar or under Rule 15 if another state bar) and continuous full-time legal work experience following the date of admission.

Benefits

MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k)-retirement plan
• Two weeks paid time off
• Sick leave
• 14 annual paid holidays
• Hybrid work arrangement