The Staff Attorney – Divorce and Custody provides consultation, advice and representation to clients in divorce, custody, child support, or other ancillary civil cases arising out of and related to intimate partner violence.  The Staff Attorney represents clients from the point of referral through ultimate resolution of the case, including, but not limited to, drafting and filing complaints, discovery, preparation for litigation, negotiation, and final litigation.  The Staff Attorney delivers client-focused legal services by working with clients to determine their objectives and develop realistic strategies for achieving those objectives, through assessment and awareness of clients’ particular social and cultural needs, by developing safety plans specific to clients’ particular circumstances, and by seeking and processing clients’ feedback.  This position carries a full caseload of family law cases, supports the Clinic’s fundraising efforts, and participates in the Clinic’s advocacy efforts (appellate work, legislation, training, etc.).  The Staff Attorney participates in the identification of systemic obstacles for victims of intimate partner violence, and assists in formulating a plan and strategies for the removal of these obstacles, including innovative legal strategies, community education, and appellate or legislative advocacy. 

Experience/Requirements:

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Maryland. 
• At least one year’s experience practicing domestic relations law, with criminal law knowledge.  Experience in intimate partner violence or related field.
• Ability to learn and litigate civil protective order and family law cases. 
• Must be able to advocate on behalf of victims of intimate partner violence. 
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds, including clients, House of Ruth staff, and members of the community. 
• Demonstrated commitment to the provision of legal services. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks at one time. 
• Ability to write well. 
• Computer literate (MS Word, internet, email). 
• Ability to travel among HRM offices and courthouse offices. 
• Ability and willingness to implement management decisions which s/he has not participated in making.  Interest in litigating appellate cases desired.
• Ability to handle progressively more complicated family law/intimate partner violence cases.
• Must be current in knowledge of family law, criminal law, court procedure, and other aspects of the law relevant to practice.
• Strong advocacy skills on behalf of victims of intimate partner violence in various environments, such as the courtroom, in community meetings, with opposing counsel, in bar association meetings, etc.
• Ability to identify barriers intimate partner violence victims encounter and develop strategies to overcome these barriers.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and shift quickly between multiple tasks.
• Ability to effectively use a computer for data entry, work processing, email and other functions.
• Strong grant reporting skills.
• Strong outreach skills.
• Strong interpersonal and interviewing skills.
• Strong time management and office maintenance skills.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.