Paralegal

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

MLA announces an immediate opening for a full-time paralegal position at our Anne Arundel/Howard County office in Annapolis, MD. Under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals are generally expected to assist with all functions related to casework, from initial intake to 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 includes collaborations with community outreach sites aimed at identifying clients who require court representation. Tasks assigned to paralegals may include any or all but are not necessarily limited to the following:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Screen clients for eligibility.
• Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
• Make referrals, as appropriate.
• Schedule appointments, hearings, etc.
• Conduct factual investigation and legal research.
• Resolve problems of clients.
• Prepare documents and correspondence.
• Assist in or develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
• Provide community and institutional outreach and education.
• Maintain case records in LegalServer.
• Draft pleadings to include complaints, answers, and counter-complaints, etc., as well as correspondence.
• Perform other duties, as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.

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.

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

The current salary range for the paralegal position is $51,500 - $91,258. 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 $52,494.
• five (5) years of experience is $56,470.
• ten (10) years of experience is $61,440.

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

In addition, MLA offers employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions, three weeks of 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.