Staff Attorney- Domestic Law Unit

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.
The Domestic Law Unit announces a full-time staff attorney position available to qualified applicants. The staff attorney serves an essential function in MLA’s delivery of high-quality services to Marylanders and is usually the first point of contact for clients.
The attorney will manage full case-handling responsibilities from inception through resolution; independently handle decision making on a case-by-case basis; cultivate relationships with the firm's existing and future clients; analyze case-specific legal issues and documentation; client preparation; effectively manages client expectations and must be able to develop a working rapport with people.
The attorney will be part of a team who interview applicants, answer questions, and provide legal assistance in person, online and by telephone. Services include providing legal information on civil cases in the area of Maryland Domestic Law. Staff attorneys may be expected to work with other attorneys, law graduates, legal assistants/ paralegals, social workers, and students. The attorney will maintain case files in accordance with Legal Aid standards. Tasks assigned to staff attorneys may include any or all but are not limited to the following:
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Represent clients as assigned by the court in litigation in all facets of the court process in child custody and divorce cases, handling matters like marital property, alimony, retirement and asset allocation.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews/visits with clients.
• Conduct factual investigation and analysis and legal research.
• Advise clients of results of investigation and research and counsel clients regarding their options.
• Draft pleadings to include complaints, answers, and counter-complaints, etc.
• Draft memoranda of law, briefs, etc.
• Develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
• 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 Maryland Legal Aid.
• Maintain case records for clients in the LegalServer case management system.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.