Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney

HopeWorks of Howard County

Location

Columbia, MD

Category

Attorney

Type

Full-Time

Description/Duties

The HopeWorks Staff Attorney is an integral member of the agency's Legal Department, providing civil legal representation and consultation to survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence in Howard County, Maryland. This role focuses primarily on peace and protective orders, as well as limited representation and advice related to family law (custody, divorce, child support), crime victims' rights, and related civil legal matters.

The Staff Attorney works closely with the Director of Legal Services, Paralegal, Legal Advocate, and other team members to offer survivor-centered, trauma-informed legal services. The position combines direct client representation, legal counseling, case preparation, and systems advocacy to support the safety, stability, and self-determination of survivors. The Staff Attorney also contributes to the overall functioning of the Legal Department through data tracking, grant reporting support, and participation in outreach and training.

HopeWorks' staff are invested and engaged in altering the systems and imbalances of power that maintain the status quo and are root causes of sexual and intimate partner violence – including racism, transphobia, poverty, xenophobia, ableism, and other forms of oppression. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to social justice, a deep understanding of the root causes of sexual and intimate partner violence, and a trauma-informed approach to supporting survivors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Direct Representation & Client Services

• Represent clients in temporary and final Peace and Protective Order hearings, including modifications, rescissions, shielding, and contempt proceedings.
• Provide limited representation in select family law matters (e.g., divorce, custody, child support) consistent with program priorities and grant requirements.
• Provide legal consultations and advice to clients regarding their rights, options, and potential outcomes related to divorce, custody, child support, Peace and Protective Orders, and related criminal and civil legal matters.
• Offer civil and criminal court accompaniment and crime-victim advocacy, including coordination with the State's Attorney's Office, defense counsel, law enforcement, and other agencies to help clients understand proceedings and exercise their rights.
• Assist clients with pro se preparation, including reviewing and helping complete court forms and pleadings, and drafting ghost-written pleadings and agreements for client use where appropriate.
• Provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered services that promote safety, self-determination, and empowerment.

Case Preparation, Research & Documentation

• Draft and review legal documents including petitions, motions, discovery requests and responses, correspondence, settlement agreements, and other pleadings.
• Assist with discovery and case preparation at the direction of the Director of Legal Services, including evidence collection, witness preparation, and development of trial/hearing strategies.
• Conduct legal research and stay up to date on changes in Maryland law and relevant federal law affecting survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client files, contact logs, and statistical information in electronic case management systems in accordance with agency protocols and funder requirements.

Collaboration, Systems Advocacy & Community Partnerships

• Work in close collaboration with the Legal Advocate, Paralegal, and other HopeWorks departments (Advocacy, Residential, Clinical, Community Engagement, Anti-Trafficking) to coordinate holistic services for clients.
• Provide technical assistance to attorneys, judges, and community partners about the legal needs and rights of survivors.
• Participate in local bar association events, collaborative workgroups, and task forces as assigned to advance survivor-centered practices and strengthen community partnerships.
• Maintain and develop relationships with courts, law enforcement, social service agencies, and other community partners to support effective referrals and coordinated responses.

Program Support, Grants & Administration

• Support the Director of Legal Services with grant-related activities, including data collection, outcome tracking, and drafting portions of grant reports and applications.
• Assist with auditing files for completeness, quality, and compliance with legal and funder requirements.
• Participate in regular legal team and cross-departmental meetings.
• Assist in recruiting, training, and mentoring legal interns, externs, and volunteers as assigned.
• Maintain a current list of relevant trainings and participate in continuing legal education and professional development related to family law, victims' rights, and trauma-informed practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Legal Services in support of the Legal Department and agency mission.

Skills/Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland and in good standing.
• At least two (2) years of experience involving protective and peace order practice, intimate partner violence and sexual assault law (civil and/or criminal), and family law.
• Passionate about and committed to the mission, vision, and values of HopeWorks.
• Awareness and understanding of the dynamics of sexual and intimate partner violence and trauma.
• Understanding of the impact of intersectional oppressions on survivors (including racism, xenophobia, transphobia, ableism, and poverty).
• Experience providing survivor-centered and trauma-informed services.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience with outcomes and evaluation, grant compliance, and/or program development preferred.
• Proficiency in data collection and reporting, and in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Current, valid driver's license and insurance and/or reliable transportation to travel between office and court, and to partner agencies as needed.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with Maryland civil and family court procedures.
• Experience working in public interest or nonprofit legal settings.
• Ability to monitor and adapt to legislative and policy changes impacting survivors.
• Oral and written fluency in one or more languages in addition to English (such as Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, or French) is highly valued but not required.

Competencies: An individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Legal System Navigation & Advocacy: Understands Maryland civil, family, and criminal court procedures and how cases move through each system. Develops and executes legal strategies, prepares clients for hearings, and advocates effectively in court and with system partners to protect survivors' rights.
• Data Management & Confidentiality: Maintains accurate and up-to-date client and case records in physical and electronic formats, including calendars and case management systems. Upholds strict confidentiality under ethical rules, agency policy, VAWA, and trauma-informed best practices when handling sensitive client information.
• Judgment & Ethical Decision-Making: Makes sound, timely decisions grounded in facts, law, and professional rules of conduct. Weighs risks and benefits, analyzes complex situations skillfully, prioritizes competing demands, and seeks supervision or consultation when appropriate.
• Communication: Oral and Written: Communicates clearly and respectfully with clients, courts, opposing counsel, and partner agencies. Explains legal concepts in accessible language, uses a trauma-informed approach with survivors, and produces well-organized, persuasive written work including pleadings, correspondence, and legal memoranda.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Works cooperatively with the Director of Legal Services, Paralegal, Legal Advocate, and other HopeWorks departments to resolve issues and improve outcomes for clients. Listens actively, incorporates feedback, and remains flexible when navigating barriers within court and community systems.
• Organization & Time Management: Effectively manages a dynamic caseload, deadlines, and court dates. Prioritizes tasks in a fast-paced environment, keeps detailed and organized records, and follows through consistently on case-related and administrative responsibilities.
• Cooperation and Teamwork: Works harmoniously with colleagues to get work done and support shared goals. Responds positively to instructions and procedures, shares critical information in a timely way, and helps maintain a tone of cooperation within the Legal Department and across the agency.
• Quality of Work: Maintains high standards despite pressing deadlines and intense subject matter. Produces accurate, thorough, and professional work; reviews and corrects own errors; and strives for excellence in legal analysis, written product, and client advocacy.