Description:
Job Summary:
A Non-Profit Organization announces an immediate opening for a full-time general practice staff attorney for in the Prince George's County office located in Landover, MD. Staff attorneys handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through representation of clients in all relevant courts and proceedings. Practice areas include housing, consumer protection, family law, public benefits including unemployment compensation and Social Security disability hearings. There is some flexibility in practice areas, depending on A Non-Profit Organization needs and the applicant's areas of experience and interest. Staff attorneys may be expected to work on cases or projects with other attorneys, law graduates, law clerks, legal assistants, paralegals, social workers, and students. Staff attorneys must maintain all case files in accordance with A Non-Profit Organization standards and may be required to participate in community outreach and education, which will include collaborations with other attorneys at community outreach sites with the goal of identifying clients who need representation in court. Tasks assigned to staff attorneys may include any or all but are not necessarily limited to the following:
Qualifications:
A Non-Profit Organization announces an immediate opening for a full-time general practice staff attorney for in the Prince George's County office located in Landover, MD. Staff attorneys handle all functions related to casework, from initial intake through representation of clients in all relevant courts and proceedings. Practice areas include housing, consumer protection, family law, public benefits including unemployment compensation and Social Security disability hearings. There is some flexibility in practice areas, depending on A Non-Profit Organization needs and the applicant's areas of experience and interest. Staff attorneys may be expected to work on cases or projects with other attorneys, law graduates, law clerks, legal assistants, paralegals, social workers, and students. Staff attorneys must maintain all case files in accordance with A Non-Profit Organization standards and may be required to participate in community outreach and education, which will include collaborations with other attorneys at community outreach sites with the goal of identifying clients who need representation in court. Tasks assigned to staff attorneys may include any or all but are not necessarily limited to the following:
- Duties and Responsibilities:
- Screen clients for eligibility and make referrals as appropriate. Perform administrative duties as needed by the office.
- 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. Maintain case records for clients in the Legal Server case management system.
- Draft pleadings to include complaints, answers, and counter-complaints as well as 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, appeals and administrative proceedings.
- Work with various community groups, accept speaking engagements, attend outreaches, and draft outreach materials as assigned by the supervisor.
- Continue professional development and education through attendance at Legal Aid sponsored training and other programs.
- Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.
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.
- 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 provide quality legal advocacy and representation for low-income, diverse client base.
- Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed. Knowledge of Westlaw Edge or other legal research software is a plus.
