Legal Services for Homeless Veterans Fellowship
Homeless Persons Representation Project
Location
Baltimore, MD
Category
Attorney
Posted
August 17, 2023
Type
Full-Time
Description/Duties
The Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP) is a dynamic legal assistance organization that focuses on supporting individuals facing economic insecurity. Through directlegal representation, legislative advocacy, and community empowerment, we strive to eliminate barriers in housing, employment, healthcare, and denial of public benefits. HPRP’s Veterans Legal Assistance Program is dedicated to providing essential legal services to veterans in need. We are committed to advocating for the rights of veterans and ensuring their access to justice. Our mission is to provide comprehensive legal support and representation to veterans facing civil legal challenges. The LSV Fellowship: We are seeking a highly motivated and compassionate attorney to join our team as the Legal Services for Veterans (LSV) Fellow. This fellowship offers a new and unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of homeless veterans by providing vital legal assistance. The successful candidate will work closely with our experienced legal team to address the diverse legal needs of homeless veterans. The LVS Fellow will collaborate with the United Way and regional Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) programs to connect veterans with essential health and wellness services.
Responsibilities include:
Provide veterans with direct legal services and representation in various civil legal matters, including
discharge upgrades, record expungements, driver’s license restoration, and court fees/fines support.
Conduct client interviews, assess legal issues, and develop appropriate legal strategies.
Draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and briefs.
Conduct legal research and stay informed about relevant laws and regulations affecting veterans’
rights.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support for veterans.
Participate in community outreach and education initiatives to raise awareness of legal services
available to veterans.
Maintain accurate case files and documentation per organizational standards.
Stay updated on developments in veterans’ law and attend relevant training opportunities.
Skills/Qualifications
Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or admitted to 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.
Strong commitment to social justice and serving the needs of veterans.
Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Exceptional research and analytical abilities.
Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Prior experience in civil legal practice, especially in areas relevant to veterans’ rights, is preferred but not required. (The equivalent clinical experience or judicial clerkship will be considered).
Strong knowledge of Maryland civil law.
Effective interpersonal skills to establish and maintain relationships with clients and community partners.
Bilingual skills in Spanish or another prevalent language in HPRP’s client community are preferred but not required.
Compensation
The minimum, competitive fellowship stipend commensurate with experience starts at $73,870, with increases available depending on the individual years of experience after law school, second language fluency, and lived experience.
Opportunities for professional development and training in veterans’ law.
Collaborative and supportive work environment.
Option for extension beyond the initial one-year fellowship period.
Meaningful and rewarding work, making a difference in the lives of veterans.
HPRP has a 35-hour workweek, and flexible scheduling is not required when appearing in court or at other program locations.
HPRP’s package of benefits includes full health coverage (medical, prescription, dental) and a
contribution toward family coverage; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance;
403(b) plan (employer supplemental salary contribution determined annually); paid vacation,
sick, and personal leave; and up to 12 weeks of paid Medical and Family leave.
How To Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application materials (preferably as
PDF attachments) to jobs@hprplaw.org. Attention: Michael Stone – Director
Cover letter highlighting your interest in the fellowship and your relevant experience.
Resume/CV with details of your educational and professional background.
Writing sample showcasing your legal research and writing skills.
Three professional references with contact information.
Office Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Hybrid Position, but requires regular in-state travel)
Duration: 1-year fellowship with the possibility of extension
Vaccination Requirement: All HPRP staff members must maintain current COVID vaccinations,
including any recommended booster doses by the CDC. Vaccine exemptions may be granted on a caseby-case basis for religious grounds and per reasonable accommodation guidelines of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA).
HPRP is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We
believe that having a staff, board, and volunteers with diverse personal and professional backgrounds and
lived experience enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all
community members can thrive. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from Black people,
Indigenous peoples, people of color, immigrants, persons with disabilities, members of the TLGBQIA+
(Trans, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and more) community, people with lived
experience of poverty or homelessness, and people from other underrepresented and historically
marginalized groups. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting,
hiring, placement, promotion, leaves of absence, compensation, and training