Staff Attorney - Vicitms Assistance Project (VAP)

1-3 yrs required

Full-time

No

Summary:

Organization: Maryland Legal Aid (MLA)
Job Title: Staff Attorney - Victims Assistance Project (VAP)
Experience: 1-3 years
Salary Range: $74, to $115, annually
Location: Baltimore, MD, US
Requisition ID: 2274

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) is a non-profit organization that provides civil legal assistance to low-income and marginalized individuals and communities in Maryland. With a history dating back to 1911, MLA is dedicated to preserving the basic human needs and rights of its clients, particularly in navigating the justice system. MLA relies on the support of its staff, pro bono attorneys, community partners, and general supporters to provide life-changing legal services to tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders every year.

The Statewide Advocacy Support Unit is seeking a full-time staff attorney to join their Victim’s Assistance Project (VAP). The VAP team consists of three staff attorneys, two paralegals, and one supervising attorney. VAP’s mission is to provide holistic legal services, advocacy, and support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The ideal candidate for this position will have 1-3 years’ experience, a commitment to social justice, and experience working with survivors of abuse.

The staff attorney will be based out of MLA’s Baltimore City office and will provide legal services to survivors in Baltimore City, Baltimore, Carroll, and Howard Counties. In addition to representing clients in protective order and family law cases, the attorney may also handle housing and consumer law matters related to their victimization. The attorney will also be involved in appellate work, community outreach, policy discussions, impact litigation, and professional training, reporting directly to the Supervising Attorney for this project.

Key Responsibilities:

- Zealously represent clients in court and advocate for them in the criminal legal system as victim-witnesses.
- Conduct client interviews and provide clear legal advice.
- Develop case strategy through legal research and factual investigation.
- Draft legal documents such as complaints, answers, and memoranda of law.
- Maintain relationships with community anti-violence groups and accept speaking engagements.
- Continue professional development and education through trainings.
- Maintain case records in the LegalServer case management system.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

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 (.) degree from an accredited law school.
- 1-3 years of legal experience, including clerkships or fellowships.
- Proficiency in using computers and web-based applications.
- Excellent research, critical thinking, writing, and leadership skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and serving marginalized communities.
- Prior experience working with survivors of abuse.

Work Environment:

Staff attorneys are allowed to work from home at least two days per week, depending on their court schedule and case needs. When not working from home, attorneys will work from MLA’s Baltimore City office or from Court.

Benefits:

Staff attorneys will be paid according to MLA’s current salary scale, which is subject to revision annually through collective bargaining negotiations. In addition, MLA offers a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, 2 weeks of paid time off, sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, a standard 35-hour work week, a hybrid work arrangement, and eligibility for the Maryland Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP).

Additional Requirements:

- References will be required at the time of the final interview.
- No telephone calls, please.
- Position will remain open until filled.

Maryland Legal Aid is committed to equity, justice, and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, MLA encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply, including people with disabilities, people of color, women, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.

Not applicable

Health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k)-retirement plan, paid time off, sick leave, paid holidays, hybrid work arrangement.

Legal research, client advocacy, case strategy development, drafting legal documents, maintaining case records, computer proficiency, time management, teamwork, public speaking.

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to the contact person listed below.

Qualification and Experience Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or another jurisdiction with eligibility for admission in Maryland, Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school, 1-3 years of legal experience, computer proficiency, excellent research, critical thinking, writing, and leadership skills, ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines, willingness to travel locally and regionally, commitment to social justice and serving marginalized communities, prior experience working with survivors of abuse.

Legal