Staff Attorney- Victims Assistance Project (VAP)

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 Statewide Advocacy Support Unit announces a full-time staff attorney position available in our Victim’s Assistance Project (VAP). The VAP team is comprised of three staff attorneys, two paralegals, and one supervising attorney. VAP’s mission is to provide holistic legal services, advocacy, and support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. VAP seeks attorneys with a minimum of 1 to 3 years’ experience to represent survivors in protective order and family law cases, and possibly in housing and consumer law matters stemming from their victimization. Attorneys must be committed to pursuing social justice and have experience working with survivors of abuse. 

The attorney will be based out of MLA’s Baltimore City office but will provide legal services to survivors in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Carroll and Howard Counties. In addition to litigating cases at the trial level, the attorney will also be involved in appellate work, community outreach efforts, policy discussions and impact litigation, as well as professional training. The attorney will report directly to the Supervising Attorney for this project. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Zealously represent clients in court in protective order, divorce, and custody cases, and advocate for clients involved in the criminal legal system as victim-witnesses.

• Conduct client interviews and provide clear legal advice.

• Develop case strategy for representation at trial through legal research and factual investigation.

• Draft complaints, answers, counter-complaints, memoranda of law, and legal briefs.

• Maintain relationships with community anti-violence groups and accept local speaking engagements.  

• Continue professional development and education through trainings sponsored by the 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.

Qualifications:

• Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or admitted in another jurisdiction and eligible for admission in the State of Maryland.

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

• One (1) to three (3) years of legal experience, which can include clerkships or fellowships.

• 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 leadership skills. Must be willing to work collaboratively to meet client needs.

• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet regular deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 

• Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland, with access to reliable transportation.

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and serving marginalized communities.  

• Prior experience working with survivors of abuse. 

MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, two weeks paid time off, sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, a standard 35-hour work week, a hybrid work arrangement, and more.