Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) is dedicated to advocating for Marylanders experiencing poverty through civil legal services. The paralegal position involves assisting attorneys with casework, including client intake, legal research, and document preparation, while also participating in community outreach efforts.
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
Skills
- 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
- Current Resume
- Cover letter explaining your skills and interest in the position
- References will be required at the time of the final interview
- 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
Benefits
- 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
Company Overview
The Maryland Center for Legal Assistance (MCLA) operates the Maryland Court Help Centers through a contract with the Maryland Judiciary. It was founded in 2017, and is headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland , US, with a workforce of 51-200 employees. Its website is http://mdcla.org.