Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Maryland Center for Legal Assistance (MCLA) seeks to close the gap in legal services in Maryland by providing brief legal advice from lawyers to unrepresented litigants with civil legal issues. MCLA, through a contract with the Maryland Judiciary, operates Court Help Centers throughout Maryland to provide legal advice to civil litigants in person and over phone, chat, email, and videoconference. The Help Centers deal with a wide range of civil legal matters, including landlord-tenant, consumer matters such as debt collection and credit card cases, child support, and criminal record expungements to remove barriers to obtaining housing, employment, and child custody.

Job Summary

MCLA announces an immediate opening for two full-time Paralegal/Referral Coordinators. The reporting location will be determined by the geographical location of the candidate chosen and this position will be hybrid/remote. Under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals for this position will be facilitating referrals between MCLA and other legal services organizations. Paralegals may be expected to work together with attorneys on projects to develop relationships with referrals partners. Some paralegals may perform exclusively or primarily non-casework functions. Tasks assigned to paralegals may include any or all, but not 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 analysis, and legal research.
• Prepare documents and correspondence.
• Assist in or develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
• Provide community and institutional outreach education.

Qualifications:

• Paralegal certificate or 4-year degree and prior paralegal experience preferred.
• Must have basic written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to conduct rapid legal research using WestLaw.
• Fluency in Spanish and American Sign Language strongly preferred.

Work Environment

Work duties are typically performed in a general office setting with regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, instant messaging and email, and in-person. Certain work duties may be performed in community settings. Benefits The salary range for this position is 42, 713.00 - $78, 713.00. In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, 2 weeks paid time off, paid sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, hybrid remote options and more!

Additional Requirements

• References will be required at the time of the final interview.
• No telephone calls please. Position will remain open until filled.

Maryland Center for Legal Assistance is committed to equity, justice and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland Center for Legal Assistance seeks to hire employees from diverse backgrounds and perspectives that are reflective of the communities we serve, including people with disabilities, people of color, women, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.