Legal Advocate, Protection Order Advocacy and Representation Project, Baltimore County

About the Job:

The Protective Order Advocacy and Representation Project (POARP) represents survivors of domestic violence in peace and protective order proceedings in Baltimore and Carroll County District and Circuit Courts. The Baltimore County Legal Advocate, in coordination with the Carroll County Legal Advocate, supports POARP attorneys handling these cases in both Baltimore and Carroll Counties. The Baltimore County Legal Advocate staffs the office in the Baltimore County Circuit Courthouse and has extensive in-person, Zoom, and phone contact with survivors of domestic violence seeking assistance in obtaining a protective order.

About the Women’s Law Center of Maryland:

The Women's Law Center of Maryland (WLC) is a dynamic nonprofit law firm whose mission is to ensure the physical safety, economic security, and bodily autonomy of women in Maryland. Established in 1971, the WLC has a rich history of advocating for gender equality, women's rights, and social justice. We provide legal services, education, and advocacy to empower women and families to navigate the legal system effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Act as first contact for callers seeking information about and representation in domestic violence peace and protective orders.
2. Assist petitioners with completing Petitions for Protective Orders, Petitions to Extend/Modify Protective Orders, and Petitions for Peace Orders as appropriate.
3. Staff our courthouse office to assist walk-in clients with domestic-violence-related issues.
4. Provide information to survivors of domestic violence about legal remedies and resources.
5. Provide safety planning and other assistance to survivors, including relevant referrals.
6. Assist attorneys with duties related to representing clients in court hearings. Duties include:
   • Conducting in-depth client intake interviews;
   • Maintaining contact with clients and serving as primary contact with client for non-legal issues;
   • Collecting evidence and other documentation from clients;
   • Obtaining relevant reports and documentation from related agencies;
   • Coordinating trial calendar, scheduling interviews, and performing other administrative duties as necessary;
   • Conducting follow-up interviews with clients;
   • Maintaining project and client files utilizing our case management system, Legal Server;
   • Assisting with grant and data reporting.
7. Develop and maintain strong working relationships with courthouse personnel and service providers of all types within the community.
8. Advocate on behalf of clients with representatives of the criminal justice system and accompany clients to criminal proceedings when requested. 
9. Participate in development of statistical and programmatic reports to grantors. 
10. Maintain project and client files.
11. Work with and support interns. 
12. As part of the WLC, provide occasional staffing for fundraising events. 
13. Attend and participate in committees, task forces, trainings, and policy-making bodies concerned with domestic violence as time permits. 
14. Other related duties as assigned.

Experience, Skills, and Qualities:

1. Experience working with survivors of domestic violence preferred. Sensitivity to issues facing survivors of domestic and sexual violence required.
2. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred. Education requirements may be substituted with relevant work experience.
3. Must be committed to public service and to providing excellent legal services to all clients.
4. Must appreciate and understand the barriers litigants face accessing justice and the role legal services organizations play in providing representation.
5. Must have excellent judgment and strong interpersonal skills.
6. Must be well-organized, creative, empathetic, and people-oriented.
7. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
8. Must have demonstrated ability to handle multiple professional projects simultaneously and thoroughly.
9. Must have demonstrated ability to work independently without close supervision.
10. Must be flexible and a team player.
11. Must have ability to travel to work locations and different courthouses. Primary location will be at the Baltimore County Circuit Courthouse.
12. Must have computer/technology competency, including but not limited to Office365.
13. Spanish or other second-language proficiency is very helpful but not required.
     

Applicants do not need to possess all the above qualifications. Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs where they do not meet all the qualifications. If you meet most of these qualifications, please apply.