Legal Advocate, Protection Order Advocacy and Representation Project
Location: Towson, MD
Salary: $56,650
Closing Date: June 27, 2025
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:
- Act as first contact for callers seeking information about and representation in domestic violence peace and protective orders.
- Assist petitioners with completing Petitions for Protective Orders, Petitions to Extend/Modify Protective Orders, and Petitions for Peace Orders as appropriate.
- Staff our courthouse office to assist walk-in clients with domestic-violence-related issues.
- Provide information to survivors of domestic violence about legal remedies and resources.
- Provide safety planning and other assistance to survivors, including relevant referrals.
- 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.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with courthouse personnel and service providers of all types within the community.
- Advocate on behalf of clients with representatives of the criminal justice system and accompany clients to criminal proceedings when requested.
- Participate in development of statistical and programmatic reports to grantors.
- Maintain project and client files.
- Work with and support interns.
- As part of the WLC, provide occasional staffing for fundraising events.
- Attend and participate in committees, task forces, trainings, and policy-making bodies concerned with domestic violence as time permits.
- Other related duties as assigned.