Staff Attorney – Housing/Consumer

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 housing and consumer law staff attorney in the Housing and Consumer Law unit located in Baltimore, MD. Staff attorneys will be expected to work with other attorneys, law graduates, law clerks, legal assistants, paralegals, social workers, and students on cases or projects. They must maintain all case files in accordance with MLA standards. The Baltimore City Housing and Consumer Law Unit handles the following types of housing and consumer cases: landlord/tenant cases involving private landlords and public and subsidized tenancies,Mortgage Foreclosure defense, breach of contract, repossessions, bankruptcy, tax sale defense, debt collection and student loan collection.  A staff attorney in the Housing and Consumer Law Unit will need to litigate before all state courts and administrative bodies and the federal court.  This position handles housing and consumer related legal matters including all functions related to casework, from initial intake through representation of clients in all relevant courts and proceedings.

In addition, Housing and Consumer Law Attorneys throughout MLA meet regularly through the Consumer Law Task Force and with other consumer-focused legal services organizations to learn and work on consumer issues that affect low-income Marylanders. Tasks assigned to staff attorneys may include any or all of but are not necessarily limited to the following:

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Screen clients for case acceptance and make referrals, as appropriate.
• Represent and Defend clients in Baltimore City District and Circuit Court and the Federal Bankruptcy Court.
• Represent clients in Housing and Consumer Law matters.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
• Conduct factual investigation and analysis as well as legal research.
• Advise clients of results of investigation and research and counsel clients regarding their options.
• Draft pleadings to include complaints, answers, memoranda of law, briefs, etc. as assigned by supervisors and chiefs.
• Develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
• Prepare cases and represent clients during negotiations and in hearings, trials, and appeals
• Continue professional development and education through attendance at trainings and other programs sponsored by the MLA.
• Maintain case records for clients in the Legal Server case management system.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.

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.