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 Supervising Attorney position for the Victims Assistance Project based in Baltimore, Maryland to lead a team that provides services to survivors of domestic violence, including assisting with sexual assault protective orders; longer-term family law cases such as divorce and/or custody; and other issues such as housing and consumer law that are related to the underlying violence. The Supervising Attorney is responsible for planning the unit’s work, implementing the priorities, assigning work, hiring, supervising, and evaluating staff to assure quality legal representation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and assign the legal work of the unit in coordination with the supervisor.
• Develop and evaluate strategies to accomplish the work of the unit.
• Identify systemic issues within the Unit and help develop strategies to address them.
• handle cases in both a lead and supporting role across the issue areas covered by the Unit.
• In consultation with the supervisor, interview applicants for employment.
• Supervise attorneys and paralegals, and where applicable, administrative employees.
• Develop an expertise in the communities and neighborhoods served by the respective offices and of all resources available to address client needs.
• Monitor and supervise case handling of staff to ensure quality representation.
• Evaluate the performance of staff and make recommendations for improvement, if appropriate, to the unit lead.
• Assist supervisors with data collection and grant reporting and writing, and with ensuring that administrative and regulatory requirements are met.
• Train or direct the professional development of staff, when appropriate.
• With the supervisor, handle personnel matters in consultation with Executive staff, including, not limited to, grievances and employee disciplinary matters.
• Fill in for the supervisor and assume their duties then they are absent from the office for an extended period.
• Support MLA’s strategic plan to all aspects of the office’s work, including litigation and advocacy, communications, and community education.
• Be a part of a statewide management team and strive to improve the overall quality of Maryland Legal Aid’s service delivery throughout the State; and
• Perform other managerial/supervisory duties not specifically listed above as determined from time to time by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• 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 next scheduled bar exam following date of employment.
• At least three years of experience in legal services and/or law firm management.
• Interest and willingness to participate in the management of Maryland Legal Aid’s services and programs.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Experience in resource development desired.
• Active community involvement.
• Command of technology, including Microsoft Office and a case management system.

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.

BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $85,000.00 - $115,000.00. In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, 2 weeks paid time off, paid sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, and more! Future flexibility regarding a hybrid work arrangement is a possibility after the onboarding period. Eligibility to apply for the Maryland Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Please submit a resume, and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application.
• References will be required at time of the final interview.
• No telephone calls please. 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.