Staff Attorney - Domestic Law Unit

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change.

Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aid has provided high-quality legal aid to vulnerable, low-income people and communities – helping to remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and reach their goals. MLA also identifies and seeks to remedy systemic barriers. MLA’s core work includes eviction and foreclosure prevention, family law, children’s rights, consumer protection, securing public benefits, and access to healthcare. MLA advocates operate primarily through the courts, via individual representation of indigent clients, but also engage in impact litigation, public communication and outreach, and policy advocacy.

Through this holistic approach, Maryland Legal Aid serves to amplify the voices of tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders each year and seeks to be a leader in the legal services field nationwide. 

Job Summary

The Domestic Law Unit is pleased to invite applications for a full-time Staff Attorney position. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to provide direct legal services to individuals and families while working as part of a collaborative, mission-driven team.

The Staff Attorney will manage a full caseload from intake through resolution, exercising independent judgment while receiving support and mentorship as needed. This position involves building strong relationships with clients, analyzing legal issues, preparing cases, and guiding clients through often complex and sensitive legal matters. The ideal candidate is both client-centered and highly organized, with the ability to communicate effectively and foster trust.

In addition to casework, the Staff Attorney will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to interview applicants, respond to inquiries, and provide legal assistance in person, online, and by telephone. Services primarily focus on civil matters within Maryland domestic law.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent clients as assigned by the court in litigation in all facets of the court process in child custody and divorce cases, handling matters like marital property, alimony, retirement and asset allocation.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews/visits with clients.
• Conduct factual investigation and analysis and legal research.
• Advise clients of results of investigation and research and counsel clients regarding their options.
• Draft pleadings to include complaints, answers, and counter-complaints, etc.
• Draft memoranda of law, briefs, etc.
• 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 Maryland Legal Aid.
• Maintain case records for clients in the LegalServer case management system. 
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.

Qualifications:

• Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or admitted in another jurisdiction and eligible for admission in the State of Maryland.
• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
• Ability to use a computer, web-based applications, and computer programs such as Office 365 including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent research, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills. 
• Self-starter with ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet regular deadlines in a fast-paced environment while balancing a full workload. 
• Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed.
• Knowledge of Westlaw Edge or other legal research software is a plus.
• At least one (1) year of post-bar admission family law legal experience is preferred but not required.
• Prior experience in public-interest litigation or providing nonprofit legal services is a plus. 

Work Environment 

This position is primarily based in an office setting, although hybrid work is available, with regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, email, and in-person meetings, including court appearances. Some responsibilities may also take place in community settings.

Benefits

The current salary range for the staff attorney position is $76,812.00 - $118,565.00. Staff attorneys will be paid by MLA’s Workers Union’s current salary scale, which is subject to revision annually through collective bargaining negotiations. For example:

• The salary for an attorney with one (1) year of experience is $77,966.
• The salary for an attorney with three (3) years of experience is $80,273.
• The salary for an attorney with five (5) years of experience is $82,580.

Salary placements for attorneys are on the earliest date of admission to a U.S. state bar, assuming eligibility to practice (either under the Maryland bar or under Rule 15 if another state bar) and continuous full-time legal work experience following the date of admission. In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, two weeks paid time off, sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, a hybrid work arrangement, and more.

Additional Requirements:

• Current Resume
• Cover letter explaining your skills and interest in the position
• References will be required at the time of the final interview

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Maryland Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace, reflective of our core values, for all employees.

Anyone interested in applying must apply via the online application.