Staff Attorney (Hybrid)

Description:

The Attorney Position: HPRP's legal practice embraces the value of housing as a human right and seeks to ensure justice for and with persons whose rights have been compromised. The Staff Attorney will provide free legal assistance to unhoused and other persons facing housing and economic insecurity. This position will focus on providing direct service to clients facing eviction or termination of their housing subsidy and other barriers to housing and employment. HPRP attorneys also play a crucial role in changing systems and achieving justice through impact advocacy.
The attorney will:

• Hands on Lawyering: Responsible for all phases of litigation, including case investigation and development, pleadings and motions, discovery, trial, post-judgment motions, and appeals.
• In-Depth Representation: Represent tenants in eviction proceedings and housing subsidy termination cases.
• Weekly Court Room Experience: Provide legal representation at one or more Rent Court Dockets in Montgomery County District Court and/or Prince George's County.
• Partner with Outside Counsel: Collaborate with pro bono counsel on housing and expungement matters.
• Community Lawyering: Create client and community education materials, conduct regular outreach to identify clients needing legal services, and conduct Know Your Rights presentations on housing and related legal matters.
• Upstream Lawyering (“Changing the System”) Collaborate with other attorneys and community partners on legislative, regulatory, budget, and other policy matters relevant to the project area.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law in any jurisdiction. Out-of-State attorneys must be able and available to take the next scheduled bar exam following the date of employment. In the alternative, attorney must be eligible to practice under Maryland Rule 19 limited license.
• One to three years of prior legal experience.
• Two semesters of law school clinical experience or a judicial clerkship will be considered equivalent to one year of legal experience.
• Knowledge of Maryland civil law.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and social justice, and personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to set priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and approach and engage tenants in eviction court.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently admitted to practice in the State of Maryland or admitted to another jurisdiction and eligible for admission in the State of Maryland.
• At least 1 year of prior landlord-tenant litigation.
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, marginalized ethnic populations, and/or people with low to no income.
• Bilingual skills (in Spanish or another language prevalent in HPRP's client community) are strongly preferred but not required.
• Entrepreneurial spirit who is willing to embrace new challenges.

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