Pro Bono Coordinator

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 and achieve stability, 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.

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) announces the availability of a full-time Pro Bono Coordinator position. This position reports to the Director for Pro Bono and leads the recruitment and training of pro bono attorneys, paralegals, law students, and other volunteers, including those in allied professions. The Position is ideal for someone who is looking to utilize their legal training in a nontraditional manner to drive high impact partnerships with pro bono volunteers. An ideal candidate would be a highly organized and creative problem solver who can effectively manage large projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with law firms, solo practitioners, law schools, bar associations, and affiliate pro bono groups across Maryland to recruit and train pro bono professionals and other volunteers.
• Communicate regularly with MLA’s offices to identify areas of law and cases that would be appropriate for pro bono participation.
• Assist with the development and implementation of statewide training in substantive areas of law for pro bono volunteers.
• Provide mentorship and case support to pro bono attorneys handling MLA cases.
• Assist with the placement of pro bono cases in areas of law consistent with MLA’s priorities, i.e. housing, consumer, public benefits, and family law.
• Manage clients seeking placement with pro bono volunteers, including providing brief advice or limited services in a range of substantive legal practice areas prior to placement of cases with pro bono volunteers.
• Coordinate with pro bono volunteers to determine case outcomes and proper tracking of the work that pro bono volunteers are completing for MLA clients.
• Work closely with the Director for Pro Bono to assist with and manage the scheduling and execution of clinics, community events, and community outreach, and coordinate pro bono participation in existing community outreach on a statewide basis.
• Handle cases that need to be reassigned or supported and do not have a pro bono volunteer available.
• Assist with the coordination of recognition events for pro bono volunteers.
• Help to ensure that MLA’s pro bono work is accomplished in accordance with funder requirements, including regulations of the Legal Services Corporation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.