Attorney

Attorney

Public Justice Center

Location

201 N. Charles Street, Suite 1200, Baltimore, MD 21201

Category

Attorney

Type

Full-Time

Description/Duties

The Public Justice Center ("PJC") and the Human Right to Housing Project

The Public Justice Center pursues systemic change to build a just society. Founded in Maryland in 1985, the PJC uses legal advocacy tools to pursue social justice, economic and racial equity, and fundamental human rights for people who are struggling to provide for their basic needs. The PJC is a civil legal aid office that provides advice and representation to low-income clients, advocates before legislatures and government agencies, and collaborates with community and advocacy organizations.

The Human Right to Housing Project seeks the realization of a human right to housing that is fair, stable, affordable, habitable, and accessible. The Human Right to Housing Team develops and implements its project priorities with the goal of dismantling white supremacy and advancing race equity. Attorneys provide legal services to low-income tenants in eviction and habitability cases, collaborate with community organizing partners to build tenant power, and advocate in state and local legislatures and government agencies for tenants' rights.

Core Duties:

• Providing legal advice and representation to low-income tenants facing eviction.
• Supporting tenant-organizing groups and developing impact strategies for litigation.
• Providing know-your-rights trainings and outreach to community groups.
• Thorough and timely case and file management, including timekeeping.
• Developing and advancing the goals of the Human Right to Housing Team at the PJC, including contributing to the team's workplan and race equity analysis.
• Participating in coalition and team meetings and advancing policy advocacy as needed.

Skills/Qualifications

Desired Skills and Experience. The following qualifications are valued for this position. Applicants should also identify other related or supplementary skills and experiences.

• Maryland bar admission or admission to another state bar.
• Spanish/English bilingual (or proficient) in writing and speaking is strongly preferred.
• Prior legal experience with low-income and other oppressed communities and clients.
• Passion for social justice and commitment to the vision of the Public Justice Center.
• Understanding of the principles of race equity analysis and the intersection of racism and poverty and their application to the PJC's organizational life and to our work.
• Attention to detail and keen organization skills.
• Ability to work under deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
• Lived experience with our client communities highly desired.
• Ability to empathize and sensitively respond to people in crisis situations.
• Excellent use of MS Outlook, Word, and Excel; database programs a plus.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively both in and outside of the PJC.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt, professional position. Salary range is $75,000 to $90,000 based on experience. An attorney may be called upon to work hours in excess of 40 hours in a work week, including the potential for evening and weekend work. Local travel will be required at times. A $3,000 Spanish language bonus is available if qualified. An excellent cafeteria benefit package in the annual amount of $16,800 is also provided. This package offers health, vision, dental, disability and life insurance, and retirement options. Cafeteria benefits packages give employees flexibility to choose how to direct their benefits. PJC employees receive at least 15 days of paid leave, 5 paid personal days, 12 paid holidays, and 15 days of sick leave annually, as well as two weeks during the year where the organization is closed for rest.

Physical/Mental Demands and Office Environment

The physical/mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Public Justice Center is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that encourages all interested persons to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage Black, Latine, Indigenous, and other applicants of color, people with disabilities, and other people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

How To Apply

Applications: Applications should be submitted by August 7th to be assured of consideration, but applications will be accepted and interviews conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please submit a cover letter explaining your interest, resume, a legal writing sample, and the names and telephone numbers of two references at link provided.

There are only two places to upload files so please upload your cover letter and resume in one document to be uploaded and your writing sample and references in a second document. Thank you.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no phone calls or email communication accepted in relation to this position.