Staff Attorney - Tenant Right to Counsel Project (TRCP)

Duties And Responsibilities

• Screen clients for case acceptance and make referrals, as appropriate.
• Represent and defend clients in Montgomery District and Circuit Courts.
• Represent clients in Housing Law matters.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
• Conduct factual investigation and analysis as well as legal research.
• Advise clients of the results of the investigation and research, and counsel clients regarding their options.
• Draft pleadings to include complaints, answers, memoranda of law, briefs, etc., as assigned by supervisors and chiefs.
• Develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
• Maintain case records for clients in the Legal Server case management system.
• Prepare cases and represent clients during negotiations and in hearings, trials, and appeals.
• Continue professional development and education through attendance at trainings and other programs sponsored by the MLA.
• Participate in outreach activities in the community as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland, or admitted in another jurisdiction and eligible for admission in the State of Maryland.
• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
• Ability to use a computer, web-based applications, and computer programs such as Office 365, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent research, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet regular deadlines in a fast-paced environment while balancing a full workload.
• Ability to provide quality legal advocacy and representation for a low-income, diverse client base.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed.
• Prior experience and/or interest in public-interest litigation, or non-profit legal services is a plus.
• Spanish language proficiency is desirable.