Paralegal

Description:

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change.

Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aid has provided high-quality legal aid to vulnerable, low-income people and communities, helping to remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and reach their goals. MLA also identifies and seeks to remedy systemic barriers. MLA’s core work includes eviction and foreclosure prevention, family law, children’s rights, consumer protection, securing public benefits, and access to healthcare. MLA advocates operate primarily through the courts, via individual representation of indigent clients, but also engage in impact litigation, public communication and outreach, and policy advocacy.

Through this holistic approach, Maryland Legal Aid serves to amplify the voices of tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders each year and seeks to be a leader in the legal services field nationwide.

Job Summary: MLA seeks an experienced, highly organized, collaborative, mission-driven individual to serve as a full-time Paralegal in the Workers’ Rights Unit in Baltimore City, Maryland. This new unit is part of the MLA’s efforts to promote economic security by protecting and advancing the rights of Maryland’s low-wage and vulnerable workers. The Paralegal will support attorneys in delivering direct representation, community advocacy, and systemic impact work, with a particular initial focus on combatting wage theft and independent contractor misclassification. Successful candidates will demonstrate an ability to handle a broad range of duties in a timely manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough intake interviews and case management support, including maintaining files, organizing evidence, client communication, and tracking deadlines.
• Assist with legal research, investigation, and drafting of pleadings, discovery, and administrative filings related to workers’ rights matters.
• Support attorneys in preparing cases for litigation, administrative hearings, and negotiations.
• Help gather and organize data that informs policy, legislative, and community-driven strategies.
• Participate in community outreach to current and prospective clients, worker centers, community groups, and grassroots partners.
• Assist with the distribution of materials and the delivery of Know Your Rights presentations on workplace protections.
• Plan, coordinate, and help facilitate community meetings, legal clinics, and informational sessions focused on the needs of low-wage workers.

Requirements:

• Commitment to worker-centered, client-oriented advocacy and the ability to engage with individuals facing challenging and sensitive issues.
• Comfortable working in dynamic and evolving situations; demonstrates creativity, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to shift priorities when urgent needs arise.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with attorneys, staff, and community partners.
• Experience with public speaking, presentations, and facilitating meetings with diverse populations; outreach experience is a plus.
• Strong communication skills with an emphasis on active listening.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Experience working in a law firm, preferably in public interest legal services or employment law.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours to meet community and outreach needs.
• Fluency in Spanish is highly valued but not required.

Work Environment

Work duties are typically performed in a general office/hybrid work setting, with regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, instant messaging, email, in person, and in a courtroom. Certain work duties may be performed in community settings.

Salary & Benefits

The current salary range for the paralegal classification is $53,045 - $93,996. Paralegals will be paid in accordance with MLA’s Workers Union's current salary scale, which is subject to annual revision through collective bargaining negotiations. Relevant professional experience counts toward salary determination. Paralegals are eligible for additional compensation for conferred degrees and certificates ranging from ($500 - $4000). For example:

• One (1) year of experience is $54, 069.
• Three (3) years of experience is $56, 116.
• Five (5) years of experience is $58, 164.

In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, a hybrid work arrangement, and more.

Additional Requirements:

• Cover letter and updated resume required of all applicants.
• References will be required at the time of the final interview.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Maryland Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace, reflective of our core values, for all employees.

Anyone interested in applying must apply online.