Criminal Law - Defense Attorney / Family Law - General Attorney / Immigration - General Attorney in Silver Spring, MD

Public Interest

Silver Spring, MD

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney / Family Law - General Attorney / Immigration - General Attorney in Silver Spring, MD

Attorney

Min 3 yrs required

No

Job Title: Staff Attorney

Job Responsibilities:
- Provide comprehensive legal services to victims of sexual assault, including legal consultation, representation in protective and peace order proceedings, family law cases, victim compensation proceedings, and victim/witness representation in criminal cases.
- Develop and apply skills to deliver high-quality, sensitive legal services that reflect a thorough understanding of clients' social and cultural needs.
- Ensure the provision of safety planning for victims.
- Maintain a reasonable caseload in compliance with grant requirements and office needs.
- Review cases with the SALI Legal Services Director or Senior Attorney and seek assistance when necessary.
- Conduct legal research.
- Engage in community outreach, technical assistance, and training.
- Assist in the production of training and technical assistance materials.
- Coordinate and develop a low bono/pro bono attorney network.
- Collect data for grant reports and assist in the preparation of these reports.
- Participate in recruiting and supervising legal interns and other SALI staff.
- Prioritize and fulfill responsibilities in line with available funding and grant requirements.
- Comply with Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Senior Attorney, Legal Services Director, and Executive Director.

Education and Experience Information:
- Juris Doctor (.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the Maryland Bar is required. Attorneys licensed in another state may be eligible for temporary admission under Maryland Rule 19-218, provided they seek permanent admission promptly. Law graduates who have taken the bar exam are welcome to apply and may be hired as Law Clerks, with promotion to a Staff Attorney position upon being sworn into the Maryland Bar. Law Clerks not gaining admission to the Bar may be required to seek other positions.
- Access to a car and a valid driver's license is necessary, as the position requires some travel within Maryland.
- Preferred qualifications include 3 years of litigation experience and/or judicial clerkship, performing arts or debating experience, and knowledge or previous work experience with sexual assault-related issues. Family law or immigration experience is also preferred.
- A background check is required as mandated by federal funding regulations.

Salary Information:
- Staff Attorneys receive compensation ranging from $64,000 to $72,000.
- Law Clerks receive compensation ranging from $53,000 to $55,000.
- Compensation is determined based on education, work experience, victim services experience, language skills, and for attorneys, admission to practice law in Maryland. The organization ensures fair compensation practices and does not negotiate salaries with individual employees or applicants. Prior salary history of applicants is not considered, and applicants are requested to omit this information from their application materials.

Benefits:
- 80% of health insurance premium coverage with three plans to choose from.
- Full coverage for vision and dental insurance premiums.
- Flexible work environment, including hybrid work and flexible hours.
- A supportive work culture and colleagues.
- A 40-hour work week, including paid one-hour lunches.
- Paid sick and safe leave.
- Twelve paid holidays.
- Paid vacation starting at 10 days in the first year, increasing to 15 days the following year, with additional increases over time.
- Three additional floating holidays during the winter holiday season.
- Two personal days annually.
- Comp time.
- Professional development opportunities inside and outside the agency.

Physical Demands:
- The role requires the ability to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and talk or hear regularly.
- Frequent standing, walking, and reaching with hands and arms are necessary.
- Occasionally, lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds is required.
- Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- The job necessitates the ability to travel to and from different locations within the State of Maryland.

Work Environment:
- The work environment is typically moderate in noise level.
- Most staff work remotely using laptops and office supplies provided by the organization.
- In-person attendance for external meetings and court appearances may be required.
- Occasional in-person meetings at the organization are possible.
- Employees may choose to work in office space in Silver Spring, Maryland, subject to COVID restrictions and available workspace.
- Staff may need to visit agency offices or other locations in Maryland to obtain client files, supplies, and similar needs.

The organization is committed to advancing equal employment opportunities as required by law.