Staff Attorney – Protective Order Advocacy and Representation Project

Position Summary: The House of Ruth Maryland Domestic Violence Legal Clinic (the Clinic) provides free legal services to survivors of intimate partner violence in order to help them gain safety and independence from their abusive partners. The Clinic seeks applicants who are passionate about ending domestic violence and interested in public interest law. This is an entry-level position which offers extensive training in Maryland’s protective order statute, family law issues, and trial skills and technique.

Position Description: The Staff Attorney – Protective Order Advocacy and Representation Project (POARP) advises and represents survivors of intimate partner violence in protective order proceedings in Maryland’s District and circuit courts, as well as in related matters such as contempt, modification, extension and shielding hearings. The Staff Attorney works on-site in the Clinic’s offices located in the Prince George’s County courthouses, which enables the Staff Attorney to provide immediate legal intervention to clients on a walk-in basis and to develop meaningful connections to courthouse personnel.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality, trauma-informed representation to survivors of intimate partner violence in protective order cases, and in related contempt, modification, extension and shielding hearings.
• Conduct comprehensive consultations with potential clients, which include a thorough interview about recent and past incidents of abuse, safety planning, lethality assessment, and referrals to appropriate community and legal resources.
• Provide prompt, compassionate services to clients on a walk-in basis and via phone.
• Maintain the Clinic’s client database and systems used for tracking clients’ cases.
• Other duties as assigned.