Staff Attorney- Child in Need of Assistance (CINA)

Maryland Legal Aid

Location

Bel Air, MD

Category

Attorney

Posted

February 9, 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 two full-time staff attorney positions in the Cecil/Harford County office. These positions have a focus on Child In Need of Assistance (CINA) child welfare cases, and the responsibilities include providing competent legal representation in child welfare proceedings before the juvenile and appellate courts, as well as all other ancillary proceedings such as FIMS, TPR mediations, IEP meetings. The responsibilities include representing clients in general practice cases related to legal advocacy, ranging from intake to representation of clients before administrative tribunals, District, Circuit, appellate, and federal courts, and all relevant agencies. Staff Attorneys are expected to participate in outreach activities and clinics as directed. Participation in Legal Aid Task Forces and other internal/external committees is also required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Screen clients for eligibility and make referrals as appropriate.
  • Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
  • Conduct factual investigation and analysis as well as 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 the supervisor.
  • Continue professional development and education by attending Legal Aid-sponsored training and other programs.
  • Maintain case records for clients in the LegalServer case management system.
  • Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.

Skills/Qualifications

  • Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland, or admitted in another jurisdiction, or graduate of an ABA-approved law school 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.
  • Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
  • 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 low-income, diverse client base.
  • Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed.
  • Knowledge of Westlaw Edge or other legal research software is a plus.
  • Spanish language proficiency desirable.

Compensation

Staff attorneys will be paid by MLA’s Workers Union’s current salary scale, which is subject to revision annually through collective bargaining negotiations. For example:

  • The salary for an attorney with one (1) year of experience is $75, 695.
  • The salary for an attorney with five (5) years of experience is $80, 175.
  • The salary for an attorney with ten (10) years of experience is $85, 009.

Salary placements for attorneys are on the earliest date of admission to a U.S. state bar, assuming eligibility to practice (either under the Maryland bar or under Rule 15 if another state bar) and continuous full-time legal work experience following the date of admission.  The current salary range for the staff attorney position 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, two weeks paid time off, sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, a standard 35-hour work week, a hybrid work arrangement, and more. Attorneys can also apply for the Maryland Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • References will be required at the time of the final interview.
  • No telephone calls, please. The position will remain open until filled.

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.

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 are reflective of the communities we serve, including people with disabilities, people of color, women, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.

How To Apply

  • Please submit a resume, legal writing sample, and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application.
  • References will be required at the time of the final interview.
  • No telephone calls, please. The position will remain open until filled.
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