MLA announces an immediate opening for four (4) full-time general practice staff attorneys for our Lower Eastern Shore office located in Salisbury, MD. Staff attorneys handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through representation of clients in all relevant courts and proceedings. Staff attorneys may be expected to work on cases or projects with other attorneys, law graduates, law clerks, legal assistants, paralegals, social workers, and students. Staff attorneys must maintain all case files in accordance with MLA standards and may be required to participate in community outreach and education, which will include collaborations with other attorneys at community outreach sites with the goal of identifying clients who need representation in court. Tasks assigned to staff attorneys may include any or all but are not necessarily 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 as well as 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, appeals, and administrative proceedings.
• Handle some full representation and same-day representation in court proceedings for Failure to Pay Rent, Tenant Holding Over, and Breach of Lease eviction cases. This work involves routine trial practice, communication with clients, communication with administrative agencies on behalf of clients, negotiations, frequent writing for litigation, and occasional discovery and depositions.
• Advocate before administrative agencies, including local housing authorities and the state Department of Housing and Community Development. This includes representation of clients in “Section 8” terminations of assistance.
• Continue professional development and education through attendance at Legal Aid sponsored training and other programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or admitted in another jurisdiction and eligible for admission in the State of Maryland. Out-of-State attorneys must be able and available to take the next scheduled bar exam following the date of employment.
• Knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
• Ability to use a computer, web-based applications, and computer programs such as Office 365 including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent research, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
• Self-starter with ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet regular deadlines in a fast-paced environment while balancing a full workload.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of post-bar admission legal experience is preferred but not required.
• Ability to provide quality legal advocacy and representation for low-income, diverse client base.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed.
• Anyone interested in applying must send an updated resume and cover letter.
• References will be required at the time of the final interview.
• No telephone calls, please. The position will remain open until filled.
Maryland Legal Aid is committed to equity, justice, and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, MLA seeks to hire individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives that reflect the communities we serve, including people with disabilities, people of color, women, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
Apply for Staff Attorney using the link below:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment....