Courtroom Advocate

The Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, Inc. (PBRC) is seeking a bright, highly organized, and self-motivated individual to join the Courtroom Advocacy Project (CAP) which provides free legal help to unrepresented tenants and consumers who have been sued in District Court. The Courtroom Advocate is responsible for setting up daily courtroom clinics and is the front-line liaison for client intake and flow during the clinics.  They also support staff and volunteer attorneys at clinics for tenants and consumers, including eviction defense work, debt collection defense and rent escrow cases.  Outside of court, the Courtroom Advocate may conduct follow up communication with clients, support the CAP team and contribute to the overall mission of the CAP team.

Under PBRC’s COVID-19 safety protocols, social distancing must be adhered to during in-person interactions whenever possible, all staff and volunteers must be vaccinated unless subject to an exemption, and wearing an N95 mask provided by PBRC is currently required while indoors. This position currently involves a combination of in-person and remote work. The position is full-time and includes excellent benefits.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Set up daily courtroom clinics.  Ensure that they run smoothly by providing administrative and logistical support, including preparing necessary clinic forms and supplies, assisting with on-site client intake, client flow, and ensuring accurate data collection;
• Serve as the front-line liaison during clinics through greeting clients, assisting litigants in court, etc.;
• Enter and manage project data related to clinics, clients, and volunteers;
• Support CAP Attorneys through client intake, case preparation and administrative assistance as requested;
• Assist with organization and maintenance of documents in a paper and electronic filing system; and
• Provide the support necessary to contribute to the overall mission of PBRC and CAP. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or a combination of associate degree, Paralegal Certificate, and/or demonstrated skills in writing, research, analysis, communications and data management. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, Access) and Adobe;
• Must be available for in-court weekday clinics in Baltimore City District Court and/or Baltimore County District Courts;
• Proficiency in extensive data collection and tracking (prior Salesforce experience preferred);
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment with a variety of people (including other staff, volunteers, clients, court personnel, public interest organizations, governmental entities, Board members, and donors) and to focus independently on data and case management when not in court;
• Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organizational, record-keeping, and time management skills;
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage time efficiently while working either in person or remotely;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Experience with our client communities, including lived experience;
• Understanding of the principles of race and socio-economic equity and its application to PBRC’s work and culture; and
• Strong commitment to helping the community and ensuring equal access to justice.

AMENITIES:

• Competitive salary
• Excellent benefits package including paid health insurance, disability insurance, and employer-matched 401k plan
• Hybrid in person/remote work

TO APPLY:

• Interested candidates should include 1) a cover letter describing interest and qualification for the position, 2) a resume, 3) the names and contact information for three professional references.
• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; applicants encouraged to apply by September 1, 2022.

PBRC is a statewide non-profit organization whose mission is to engage and support the Maryland legal community in meaningful and impactful volunteer service to ensure equal access to justice for those in need. The Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. We encourage all interested persons to apply including applicants of color, people with disabilities, and others historically underrepresented in the legal field.