Staff Attorney - Maryland Workforce Legal Services

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. MLA staff, pro bono attorneys, community partners, and general supporters all play important roles in ensuring that the legal playing field is leveled so that those most in need achieve equal access to justice. It is because of this diverse support that MLA is able to be a voice to tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders every year.

Essential Functions:

Maryland Legal Aid announces the availability of a full-time Maryland Workforce Legal Services staff attorney position, as part of its Community Lawyering Initiative to provide legal services to participants of job training programs in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The project attorney will address the civil legal needs of participants and develop expertise in expungement, child support, and other substantive areas identified as creating barriers to achieving meaningful employment. Tasks assigned to staff attorneys may include any or all, but are not limited to the following:

Duties and Responsibilities:

Screen clients for eligibility and make referrals, as appropriate.
Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
Conduct factual investigation and analysis, and legal research.
Advise clients of results of investigation and research and counsel clients about their options.
Prepare pleadings, including but not limited to, complaints, answers, memoranda of law, briefs, etc.
Develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
Prepare cases and represent clients in negotiations, hearings, trials and appeals.
Work with various community groups and accept speaking engagements as assigned by supervisor.
Support Maryland Legal Aid’s Community Lawyering Initiative by assisting with other clinic needs when feasible, including occasional evening and weekend work.
Conduct “Know Your Rights” legal information sessions with job training program attendees.
Work with pro bono attorneys, students, and volunteers to collaborate on clinics and initiatives.
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.