Paralegal

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 paralegal for our Anne Arundel/Howard County office located in Annapolis, MD. Under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals are generally expected to assist with handling all functions related to casework, from initial intake through assistance with trial preparation. Paralegals may be expected to work with attorneys, law graduates, law clerks, legal assistants, other paralegals, social workers, and students on cases or projects. Paralegals must maintain all case files in accordance with MLA standards and may be required to participate in community outreach and education, which will include collaborations with community outreach sites with the goal of identifying clients who need representation in court. Tasks assigned to paralegals 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.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
• Conduct factual investigation and analysis as well as legal research.
• Make referrals, as appropriate.
• Maintain case records in LegalServer.
• Draft pleadings to include complaints, answers, and counter-complaints, etc., as well as correspondence.
• 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.
• Attend outreach events in the community, including in Howard County District Court.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.
• Prior experience and/or interest in providing nonprofit legal services is a plus.
• Foreign language proficiency is highly desirable.
• Paralegal certification or equivalent experience desired.

Please keep in mind, the ideal candidate may not meet every single qualification listed. If you are passionate about providing high-quality representation for low-income Maryland residents, we encourage you to apply and let us decide! Data consistently shows that members of under-represented groups are less likely to apply to jobs when they do not meet every qualification listed. Maryland Legal Aid is committed to equity, justice, and inclusion, and that starts with our hiring.

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, with flexible options for remote work. Certain work duties may be performed in community settings.

BENEFITS

Paralegals will be paid in accordance with MLA’s Workers Union current salary scale, which is subject to revision annually through collective bargaining negotiations. For example:

• one (1) year of experience is $50,965.
• five (5) years of experience is $54,825.
• ten (10) years of experience is $59,650.

Additional compensation is available for those with Bachelors’ and/or Masters’ Degrees, and for staff with foreign language competencies.

In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan that includes employer contributions, 2 weeks paid time off, sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, a standard 35-hour work week, a hybrid work arrangement, and more. MLA staff are also eligible to apply for the Maryland Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP).

To Apply, Please Submit:

• Current Resume
• Cover Letter explaining your skills and interest in the position
• Three professional references

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 individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives that reflect the communities we serve, including people with disabilities, people of color, women, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.