National Legal Aid & Defender Association
Staff Attorney (Family Law) - Collateral Legal Assistance for Survivors Project
National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Staff Attorney (Family Law) - Collateral Legal Assistance for Survivors Project
The Collateral Legal Assistance for Survivors (CLAS) Project at the Women’s Law Center (WLC) provides comprehensive legal support to survivors of domestic violence, focusing primarily on family law matters such as divorce, custody, and protective orders. The CLAS Staff Attorney plays a central role in delivering trauma‑informed, client‑centered legal representation from initial intake through final resolution. Working in close collaboration with the CLAS Legal Advocate and a small team of attorneys, the Staff Attorney ensures that survivors receive holistic legal assistance tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. This position offers a meaningful opportunity to advocate for justice, empower survivors, and contribute to systemic change in how the legal system responds to domestic violence.
While CLAS currently serves clients in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Carroll County, Harford County, and occasionally Anne Arundel County and other jurisdictions, this position is part of an exciting expansion effort. We are seeking an attorney who can help broaden our geographic reach by taking cases in any of the following jurisdictions: Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Frederick County, or other areas in Maryland. The Staff Attorney is not expected to cover all of these jurisdictions, but the ability to serve one or more of them would significantly support our goal of reaching more survivors across the state.
Key Responsibilities
Provide comprehensive, trauma‑informed legal representation to survivors of domestic violence, primarily in family law matters such as divorce, custody, and protective orders. Occasionally handle related civil matters including Title IX, landlord‑tenant, replevin, and others.
Represent clients in in-person and remote court hearings, including trials, motions, and settlement conferences. Provide coverage for the Protective Order Advocacy and Representation Project (POARP) as needed, including final protective order hearings, modifications, contempt hearings, and appeals.
Maintain an active caseload; conduct thorough client intake interviews; gather evidence; draft legal documents (e.g., pleadings, motions, discovery, correspondence); and negotiate settlements.
Work closely with the CLAS Legal Advocate and other attorneys to assess eligibility, develop legal strategies, and manage cases. Support and mentor interns as needed.
Build and maintain relationships with courthouse personnel, service providers, and representatives of the criminal justice system. Provide training and educational materials to community groups, courthouse staff, and domestic violence prevention organizations.
Track client data and assist with compiling quarterly reports and grant narratives for funders.
Maintain accurate client and project files using Office 365 and Legal Server.
Occasionally staff fundraising events and participate in relevant committees, task forces, trainings, and policy initiatives related to domestic violence and family law.
Perform other related tasks as assigned to support the mission of the Women’s Law Center.
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While CLAS currently serves clients in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Carroll County, Harford County, and occasionally Anne Arundel County and other jurisdictions, this position is part of an exciting expansion effort. We are seeking an attorney who can help broaden our geographic reach by taking cases in any of the following jurisdictions: Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Frederick County, or other areas in Maryland. The Staff Attorney is not expected to cover all of these jurisdictions, but the ability to serve one or more of them would significantly support our goal of reaching more survivors across the state.
Key Responsibilities
Provide comprehensive, trauma‑informed legal representation to survivors of domestic violence, primarily in family law matters such as divorce, custody, and protective orders. Occasionally handle related civil matters including Title IX, landlord‑tenant, replevin, and others.
Represent clients in in-person and remote court hearings, including trials, motions, and settlement conferences. Provide coverage for the Protective Order Advocacy and Representation Project (POARP) as needed, including final protective order hearings, modifications, contempt hearings, and appeals.
Maintain an active caseload; conduct thorough client intake interviews; gather evidence; draft legal documents (e.g., pleadings, motions, discovery, correspondence); and negotiate settlements.
Work closely with the CLAS Legal Advocate and other attorneys to assess eligibility, develop legal strategies, and manage cases. Support and mentor interns as needed.
Build and maintain relationships with courthouse personnel, service providers, and representatives of the criminal justice system. Provide training and educational materials to community groups, courthouse staff, and domestic violence prevention organizations.
Track client data and assist with compiling quarterly reports and grant narratives for funders.
Maintain accurate client and project files using Office 365 and Legal Server.
Occasionally staff fundraising events and participate in relevant committees, task forces, trainings, and policy initiatives related to domestic violence and family law.
Perform other related tasks as assigned to support the mission of the Women’s Law Center.
#J-18808-Ljbffr