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, and securing public benefits, 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 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.

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.

Salary and Benefits

The current salary range for the paralegal classification is $50,000.00 - $88,600.00.Paralegal 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 a paralegal with one (1) year of experience is $50,965. 
• The salary for a paralegal with three (3) years of experience is $52,895. 
• The salary for a paralegal with five (5) years of experience is $54,825. 

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, 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 online via the online application.