Staff Attorney - Foreclosure Loan Assistance Project
Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) provides life-changing civil legal assistance to eligible residents in every part of the State. Since 1911, MLA has provided high-quality legal services to low-income and marginalized individuals and communities—helping them remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and an overall better life. MLA is dedicated to preserving the basic human needs and basic human rights of clients, particularly as they navigate the justice system.
About the role
MLA’s Statewide Advocacy Support Unit announces an immediate opening for a full-time staff attorney position within the Foreclosure Legal Assistance Project located in Baltimore, Maryland. This position provides assistance, advice, counseling, and legal representation in administrative hearings and judicial proceedings on behalf of low-income Maryland homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure due to serious mortgage default. The goal of representation is to prevent homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship. Legal representation may involve litigation in state court proceedings, as well as representation in federal bankruptcy matters before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Some community outreach is expected, including conducting educational training for pro-se individuals and attorneys. Travel is required.
Responsibilities
- Screen clients for eligibility and make referrals, as appropriate.
- Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
- Conduct factual investigation, analysis, and legal research.
- Advise clients of results of investigation and research and counsel clients about their options.
- Prepare legal documents, including but not limited to, correspondence, complaints, answers, other pleadings, motions, discovery, discovery responses, memoranda of law, briefs and other documents required for appeals, and bankruptcies.
- Develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
- Prepare cases, manage files, and represent clients in negotiation, hearings, trials, and appeals.
- Work with various community groups and accept speaking engagements as assigned by supervisor.
- Continue professional development and education through attendance at Maryland Legal Aid-sponsored training and other programs.
- Perform other duties, as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.
Requirements
- Admitted to practice law in the State of Maryland or admitted in another jurisdiction, or a graduate of an ABA-approved law school and eligible for admission in the State of Maryland and willing to take the first available Maryland Bar examination following date of employment.
- Eligible for admission into federal court.
- Prior experience involving foreclosure defense, consumer law, bankruptcy, or related litigation is highly desirable.
- Ability to effectively manage a challenging caseload is mandatory.
- Must be highly organized, focused, on-task, and attentive to detail.
- Ability to learn how to use case management software, timekeeping, and Office 365 is required.
Work Environment
Work duties are typically performed in a general office setting with regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, instant messaging, email, in-person, and in a courtroom. Certain work duties may be performed in community settings.
Benefits
- Salary range: $66,585.00 - $106,585.00.
- Generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- 401(k)-retirement plan.
- 2 weeks paid time off, paid sick leave, and 14 annual paid holidays.
- Future flexibility regarding a hybrid work arrangement is a possibility after the onboarding period.
- Eligibility to apply for the Maryland Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP).
References will be required at the time of the final interview. Maryland Legal Aid is committed to equity, justice, and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, MLA seeks to hire individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives that are reflective of the communities we serve, including people with disabilities, people of color, women, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.