Staff Attorney

1-10 yrs required

Full-time

No

Staff Attorney - CINA Unit: Providing Life-Changing Legal Assistance in Baltimore, MD

H1: Staff Attorney - CINA Unit in Baltimore, MD

H2: Join the Team at Maryland Legal Aid and Make a Difference in Your Community

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) is seeking a dedicated and passionate Staff Attorney to join our Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) unit in Baltimore, MD. As a Staff Attorney at MLA, you will have the opportunity to provide life-changing civil legal assistance to low-income and marginalized individuals and communities in Baltimore and throughout the state.

About Maryland Legal Aid

Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aid has been committed to preserving the basic human needs and rights of our clients. We believe that everyone deserves equal access to justice, and we work tirelessly to level the playing field for those most in need. With the support of our diverse team, including staff, pro bono attorneys, community partners, and general supporters, we are able to be a voice for tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders each year.

Job Summary

As a Staff Attorney in the CINA unit, you will focus on child welfare cases and provide competent legal representation in proceedings before the juvenile and appellate courts. You will also handle ancillary proceedings such as FIMS, TPR mediations, and IEP meetings. In addition, you will have the opportunity to represent clients in general practice cases related to legal advocacy, ranging from intake to representation in administrative tribunals and various courts and agencies. The Staff Attorney is also expected to participate in outreach activities and clinics, as well as Legal Aid Task Forces and other internal/external committees.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Represent clients in child welfare proceedings and make referrals as necessary.
Conduct interviews and investigations with clients.
Provide legal advice and counsel to clients on their options.
Draft pleadings, memoranda, and other legal documents.
Develop case strategies and represent clients in negotiations, hearings, trials, and appeals.
Collaborate with community groups and participate in speaking engagements as directed.
Attend trainings and other professional development opportunities.
Maintain accurate case records in LegalServer case management system.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or eligible for admission.
Knowledge of civil law, judicial procedures, and evidence rules.
Proficiency in using computer programs such as Office 365.
Excellent research, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
Ability to handle a high volume of work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to providing quality legal advocacy for low-income clients.
Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed.
Knowledge of legal research software such as Westlaw Edge is a plus.
Prior experience or interest in public-interest litigation or nonprofit legal services is desirable.
Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

Work Environment

As a Staff Attorney, you will primarily work in a general office setting, with regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, and email. You may also have the opportunity to work in community settings.

Salary and Benefits

At Maryland Legal Aid, we value our employees and offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Staff Attorneys are paid according to MLA's current salary scale, which is subject to annual revision through collective bargaining negotiations. The current salary range for the Staff Attorney classification is $74, - $115,. In addition, MLA offers a generous benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions, paid time off, sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, a standard 35-hour work week, and a hybrid work arrangement. Staff members are also eligible to apply for the Maryland Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP).

Additional Requirements

To apply for this position, please submit a resume, legal writing sample, and cover letter explaining your qualifications and interest. References will be required at the time of the final interview. Please note that no telephone calls will be accepted, and the position will remain open until filled.

Join Our Team and Make a Difference

Maryland Legal Aid is committed to equity, justice, and inclusion. We strive to hire individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives that reflect the communities we serve. We encourage individuals with disabilities, people of color, women, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups to apply for this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Not applicable

Health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions, paid time off, sick leave, paid holidays, hybrid work arrangement, eligibility for loan assistance repayment program.

Bilingual (Spanish)

Legal Research, Case Management, Negotiation, Client Representation, Bilingual (Spanish)

Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or eligible for admission, knowledge of civil law and judicial procedures.

Submit a resume, legal writing sample, and cover letter through the online application.

Qualification and Experience Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or eligible for admission, 1-3 years of legal experience preferred, knowledge of civil law and judicial procedures, proficiency in Office 365 and Westlaw Edge.

Legal