Legal Advocate, Protection Order Advocacy and Representation Project, Baltimore County

About the Job:

The Baltimore County Protection Order Advocacy and Representation Project (POARP) represents survivors of domestic violence in proceedings to obtain, enforce and modify Protective Orders in Circuit and District Court.  The advocate works with the POARP attorneys who represent survivors in Baltimore County and Carroll County District and Circuit Courts, with a primary focus on Baltimore County.  The Legal Advocate staffs the office in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County and has extensive in-person, Zoom, and phone contact with survivors of domestic violence seeking assistance in obtaining a protective order.

About the Women’s Law Center of Maryland:

The Women's Law Center of Maryland (WLC) is a dynamic nonprofit law firm whose mission is to ensure the physical safety, economic security, and bodily autonomy of women in Maryland.

Established in 1971, the WLC has a rich history of advocating for gender equality, women's rights, and social justice. We provide legal services, education, and advocacy to empower women and families to navigate the legal system effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

1.       Act as first contact for petitioners who have received a Temporary Protective Order.

2.       Assist petitioners with completing Petitions for Protective Orders.

3.       Provide information to victims of domestic violence about legal remedies and resources. 

4.       Provide safety planning and other assistance to survivors, including relevant referrals.

5.       Assist attorneys in representing clients in protective order, modification, and contempt hearings and appeals. 

• Provide paralegal duties assisting attorneys in representing clients.  Duties include:
• Conducting in-depth client intake interviews;
• Maintaining contact with clients and serving as primary contact with client for non-legal issues;
• Obtaining relevant reports and collecting other evidence;
• Drafting and filing pleadings under attorney supervision;
• Coordinating trial calendar, scheduling interviews, and performing other administrative duties as necessary. 
• Conducting follow up interviews with clients;
• Maintaining project and client files utilizing our case management system, Legal Server; 
• Assisting with grant and data reporting;

6.       Develop and maintain strong working relationships with courthouse personnel and service

providers of all types within the community.

7.       Advocate on behalf of clients with representatives of the criminal justice system and

accompany clients to criminal proceedings when requested. 

8.       Participate in development of statistical and programmatic reports to grantors. 

9.       Maintain project and client files. 

10.   Work with interns.

11.   As part of the WLC, provide occasional staffing for events for members and participate in project and membership development.

12.   Attend and participate in committees, task forces, and policy-making bodies concerned with domestic violence as time permits.

13.   Other related duties as assigned.

Experience, Skills, and Qualities:

1.       Experience working with survivors of domestic violence preferred. Sensitivity to issues

facing survivors of domestic and sexual violence required. 

2.       Understanding of the barriers litigants face accessing justice and the role legal services

organizations play in providing representation.

3.       Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred. Education requirements may be substituted with

relevant work experience.

4.       Must be committed to public service and to providing excellent legal services to all

clients.

5.       Must have excellent judgment and strong interpersonal skills. 

6.       Must be well organized, creative, empathetic, and people oriented.

7.       Must have excellent written and oral communication skills. 

8.       Must have demonstrated ability to handle multiple professional projects simultaneously and thoroughly.

9.      Must have demonstrated ability to work independently without close supervision.

10.   Must be flexible and a team player.

11.   Must have ability to travel to work locations and different courthouses.

12.   Must have computer/technology competency, including Office365.

13.   Spanish or other second-language-fluency is very helpful but not required.

The budgeted salary is $55,000 with a generous benefits package that includes health insurance, matched retirement savings (Simple IRA), unlimited PTO (after probationary period), paid family leave, hybrid work option (after probationary period), parking (or travel) subsidy, and training.