Cannabis Expungement Project, Paralegal
Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Services (MVLS)
Location
Baltimore, Maryland
Category
Paralegal
Posted
April 26, 2023
Type
Full-Time, Temporary
Description/Duties
MVLS’ core values are teamwork, passion for MVLS’ mission, commitment to clients,
volunteers, and community partners, initiative and commitment to eliminate systemic barriers to
justice based on race and economic disparities. MVLS is committed to fostering an inclusive
culture in the workplace. Our work to end barriers to justice starts with increasing the racial
diversity of our staff to better reflect the communities we serve.
As a result of the cannabis legalization referendum, MVLS has received one-time funding to
implement a statewide outreach, education, and referral network to help expunge the records of
Marylanders charged with cannabis-related violations. This position will focus on providing
community education and outreach in Baltimore City and promoting and connecting residents
with MVLS’ legal services to stabilize housing, remove barriers to employment, and build legal
knowledge in Baltimore communities.
The position is partially remote with three days per week in-person at our downtown Baltimore
office and two days of remote work per week. Travel throughout Maryland may be required.
Mileage is reimbursed. This is a one-year temporary position and MVLS does not expect to
receive renewal funding at the end of the grant period.
Job Responsibilities:
– Coordinate the delivery of legal services to clients seeking criminal record expungement.
– Support four community legal advocates located throughout Maryland.
– Perform legal analysis and prepare paperwork under the supervision of staff attorneys.
– Conduct research through police and case records as necessary to determine expungement eligibility.
– Meet with clients for consultations.
– Pitch cases to volunteer attorneys for expungement representation.
– Steward relationships with volunteer attorneys throughout Maryland.
Skills/Qualifications
Qualifications
– Strong research abilities
– Experience with legal research and preparation of legal documents a plus
– Candidate does not need to have substantive legal knowledge but will need to learn the basics of Maryland expungement law
– Excellent computer, data entry, and organization skills
– Detail oriented, organized, and able to manage a high volume of documents
– Works well with others; team player
Education
– At least 2 years of administrative, customer service, or legal experience is preferred
– A paralegal certificate from accredited institution is a plus
– Computer and data entry experience required
– Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of programs, i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel.
– Demonstrated commitment through work experience, lived experience or volunteer experience to communities, such as: Children, Domestic workers, Economically disadvantaged people, Immigrants
and refugees, Incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, LGBTQ people,
People of color, People with disabilities, People with HIV/AIDS, Sex workers,
Victims of crime and abuse, and Women and girls.
Compensation
Compensation –
Salary is $42,000 – $46,000 per year depending on experience. The position also includes excellent benefits, including: health, dental and vision insurance all paid by MVLS, group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, a monthly commuter stipend equal to the value of an MTA pass, and generous leave time including vacation, personal, and sick days.
How To Apply
How to Apply –
Submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references from employers or school via email with “Paralegal – Cannabis Expungement Project” in the subject line to mvls@mvlslaw.org by 4 weeks from when position is posted. Applicants are encouraged to address the core values stated at the top of this job posting in their cover letters.