Supervising Attorney
Maryland Legal Aid
Location
Landover, MD
Category
Attorney
Posted
July 3, 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 an immediate opening for a full-time Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) Supervising Attorney position in our Prince George’s County office, located in Landover, Maryland. CINA Attorneys represent children in cases where the local Department of Social Services (DSS) agency has determined that the child has been abused or neglected and needs to come into the care of the agency. In addition to supervising a CINA staff of four attorneys and a paralegal, the Prince George’s CINA supervising attorney will assist the office’s chief attorney in managing the office along with two general unit supervising attorneys. Supervising attorneys are responsible with the Chief Attorney for planning the work of the office/unit, implementing the priorities, assigning work, hiring, supervising, and evaluating staff to ensure high-quality legal representation. The supervising attorney has a CINA caseload level that considers other supervisory duties. Child In Need of Assistance (CINA) case handling includes providing competent legal representation of the child in child welfare proceedings before the juvenile and appellate courts, as well as all other ancillary proceedings such as Family Team Decision meetings, Termination of Parental Rights proceedings and Individualized Education Plan meetings.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan and assign the legal work of the office/unit in consultation with the chief attorney.
- Develop and evaluate strategies to accomplish the work of the office/unit.
- Supervise attorneys and paralegals, and, where applicable, manage clerical employees.
- Monitor substantive legal work and provide consultation and advice to staff attorneys and paralegals.
- Represent clients by maintaining a caseload and co-counseling with staff attorneys.
- Monitor and supervise case handling of persons supervised and direct appropriate action to ensure quality representation.
- Identify, develop, and implement advocacy strategies for systemic legal problems.
- Ensure grant compliance and prepare and draft required grant funder reports.
- Screen and interview candidates for employment and effectively recommend hiring decisions.
- Train, coach, and develop staff.
- Assume the duties of the chief attorney when the chief attorney is absent for any reason.
- Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position’s essential functions.
Skills/Qualifications
- Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or admitted in another jurisdiction 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. Federally Barred Attorneys are desirable.
- Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
- Excellent research, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
- Ability to provide quality legal advocacy and representation for low-income, diverse client base.
- Five or more years of extensive experience in the area of Child Advocacy law.
- Prior experience and/or interest in public-interest litigation or providing nonprofit legal services is a plus.
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $96,000.00 – $110,000.00. In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, at least two weeks paid time off, paid sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, and more! Future flexibility regarding a hybrid work arrangement is possible after the onboarding period.
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.
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.
Maryland Legal Aid is committed to equity, justice, and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, MLA 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.
Apply for Supervising Attorney using the link below:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=9156664a-1a51-4897-90b5-51213a0ce138&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=482913&lang=en_US&source=CC2