What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney position at Legal Aid Bureau?
Maryland Center for Legal Assistance (MCLA) seeks to close the gap in legal services in Maryland by providing brief legal advice from lawyers to unrepresented litigants with civil legal issues. MCLA, through a contract with the Maryland Judiciary, operates Court Help Centers throughout Maryland to provide legal advice to civil litigants in person and over phone, chat, email and videoconference.
The Help Centers deal with a wide range of civil legal matters, including landlord-tenant, consumer matters such as debt collection and credit card cases, child support, and criminal record expungements to remove barriers to obtaining housing, employment, and child custody.
**A RESUME AND COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION**
The Maryland Center for Legal Assistance (MCLA) announces an immediate opening for a full-time Staff Attorney position in the District Court Help Center in Catonsville, MD. Successful candidates will demonstrate an ability to handle a broad range of duties in a timely manner. Please find below a summary of the job description.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide brief legal advice and information to self-represented litigants in connection with civil legal issues including Landlord and Tenant Matters, Civil Claims, Expungement and Shielding of Records, Consumer Matters, Return of Property, Domestic Violence/Peace Orders, Family Law, and Foreclosure.
- Assist self-represented litigants in drafting their pleadings and motions, preparing for trial, completing court forms, and understanding court documents and the law.
- Provide referrals to appropriate legal service organizations, agencies, and lawyer referral services wherever appropriate.
- Be available to provide support to MCLA’s other offices as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.
Qualifications:
- Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland.
- One-year or more civil litigation experience, clinical or clerkship experience will be considered.
- Strong customer service skills including ability to empathize and assist people who are distressed.
- Ability to communicate complex legal concepts in simple terms.
- Ability to conduct rapid legal research.
- Develop internal resources, training for staff and the public.
- Fluency in Spanish and American Sign Language strongly preferred.
Maryland Center for Legal Assistance is committed to equity, justice and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland Center for Legal Assistance seeks to hire employees from diverse backgrounds and perspectives that are reflective of the communities we serve, including people with disabilities, people of color, women, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
