Staff Attorney- Guardianship
Maryland Legal Aid
Location
Baltimore, MD
Category
Attorney
Posted
January 2, 2024
Type
Full-Time
Description/Duties
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.
Job Summary
MLA) announces an immediate opening for a full-time Guardianship staff attorney-floater position in the Statewide Advocacy Support located in Baltimore, Maryland. This position handles all functions related to legal advocacy with a focus on adult guardianship cases. The staff attorneys’ responsibilities are representing Indigent Adults involved in Petitions for Guardianship and the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board (APGRB) in the various Circuit Courts, reviewing hearings, appeals, and other related matters. The staff attorney must attend the required training for the APS practice and participate in outreach activities and clinics. Participation in APS workgroup court meetings, Legal Aid Task Forces, and other internal Maryland Legal Aid committees is required. Tasks assigned to staff attorneys may include any or all of, but are not necessarily limited to the following:
Duties and Responsibilities:
Represent clients as assigned by the court.
Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews/visits with clients.
Conduct factual investigation and analysis and legal research.
Advise clients of the results of investigation and research and counsel clients regarding their options.
Draft pleadings to include complaints, answers, and counter-complaints, etc.
Draft memoranda of law, briefs, etc.
Develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
Prepare cases and represent clients during negotiations, hearings, trials, and appeals.
Work with various community groups and accept speaking engagements as assigned by supervisors and chiefs.
Appeals
Continue professional development and education by attending trainings and other programs sponsored by the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau.
Maintain case records for clients in the LegalServer case management system.
Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position’s essential functions.
Skills/Qualifications
Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or admitted in 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.
Knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
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 communication skills.
Self-starter who can juggle multiple priorities and meet regular deadlines in a fast-paced environment while balancing a full workload.
Ability to provide quality legal advocacy and representation for a low-income, diverse client base.
Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed.
Compensation
Staff Attorneys will be paid in accordance with MLA’s Workers Union current salary scale, which is subject to revision annually through collective bargaining negotiations. For example:
one (1) year of experience is $75,695.
five (5) years of experience is $80,175.
ten (10) years of experience is $85,009.
The current salary range for the staff attorney classification is $74,575.00 – $115,112.00.
In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan that includes employer contributions, 2 weeks paid time off, sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, a standard 35-hour work week, a hybrid work arrangement, and more. MLA staff are also eligible to apply for the Maryland Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP).
Work Environment
Work duties are typically performed in a general office setting with regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, instant messaging, and email, in-person, and in a courtroom. Certain work duties may be performed in community settings.
How To Apply
References will be required at the time of the final interview.
No telephone calls, please. The position will remain open until filled.
Maryland Legal Aid is committed to equity, justice, and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, MLA seeks to hire individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives that reflect the communities we serve, including people with disabilities, people of color, women, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.