Use your law degree to help end sexual violence-
Join MCASA’s Sexual Assault Legal Institute
The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) is Maryland’s sexual assault coalition and includes the State’s rape crisis centers and others concerned with ending sexual violence. Our mission is to help prevent sexual assault, advocate for accessible, compassionate care for survivors of sexual violence, and work to hold offenders accountable.
We believe we cannot successfully serve others if we do not take care of ourselves. MCASA staff are encouraged to practice self-care and are supported in finding a positive work-life balance. This position, along with the rest of the agency, will entail significant virtual work and allows for flexible scheduling.
Employees are expected to be available to travel to the MCASA office in Silver Spring within 90 minutes or live within the State of Maryland. While many job duties may be performed virtually, some are in person. This may include on-site meetings, meetings with stakeholders or community members, court proceedings, or other in person events. Employees may choose to work in the MCASA offices subject to COVID risk reduction protocols.
Position Overview
SALI provides legal services to survivors of sexual violence, and technical assistance and training to professionals working with survivors. The Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI) is part of the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA), an organization devoted to ending sexual violence, equity, and justice.
MCASA’s SALI is looking for a full-time attorney to focus on legal representation and policy work related to schools and student survivors. Applicants should be passionate about anti-sexual violence work and eradicating discrimination in education. This position will focus on policy and practice in educational institutions, including colleges and universities, K-12, and technical schools. The School Policy Staff Attorney will provide legal services to student survivors of sexual assault and assist in development and administration of SALI services, outreach, technical assistance, and training. A significant portion of this position may be performed remotely. This position works collaboratively with MCASA’s training and outreach staff to ensure the needs of student survivors are addressed. This position reports to the Managing Attorney.
THIS POSITION REQUIRES ADMISSION TO PRACTICE LAW.
Classification: Exempt
Responsibilities and Duties
- Participate in efforts to improve systems responses to sexual violence in educational settings, including by:
- encouraging appropriate institutional responses,
- support peering advocates,
- producing and performing training, and
- sharing information to help end sexual violence and support survivors.
- Conduct legal research and analysis, with a focus on laws governing school response to sexual violence and sexual violence prevention
- Provide community outreach, technical assistance, and training pertaining to student survivors, violence prevention, underserved populations, reproductive justice, and related issues
- Provide high quality and trauma informed legal services to survivors of sexual assault, with a focus on student survivors. Services include assessment and referral, legal consultation, and representation. Case types include Title IX administrative hearings, student misconduct administrative hearings, protective and peace order proceedings, victim compensation proceedings, victim/witness representation in criminal cases, and other matters. There will be a focus on school related cases.
- Provide or assure provision of safety planning for survivors
- Maintain reasonable caseload in compliance with grant requirements and needs of office
- Review cases with SALI’s managing attorney and seek assistance when needed
- Assist in production of training and technical assistance materials, including an established campus training series
- Cultivate relationships with college Title IX offices and other education professionals
- Collect data needed for grant reports or other reasons; assist in report preparation
- Assist in recruiting and supervision of legal interns and other SALI staff
- Prioritize and fulfill responsibilities in accordance with available funding and grant requirements
- Comply with Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct
- Such other duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney, Associate Director, or Executive Director
Qualifications
- J.D. from accredited law school
- Must be admitted to Maryland bar. Attorneys currently licensed in another State may be eligible for temporary admission for public interest attorneys licensed out of state; attorneys must apply for permanent admission within 30 days of being hired
- Access to a car and valid driver’s license; this position requires some travel within the State of Maryland
- 3 years litigation experience and/or judicial clerkship preferred
- Knowledge and/or previous work experience with sexual assault, Title IX, or related issues preferred
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. This job requires the ability to travel to and from different locations within the State of Maryland.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Most MCASA staff work remotely, with MCASA provided laptops and office supplies. In person attendance for external meetings and court appearance may be required, and occasional in person MCASA meetings are possible. MCASA employees have the option of working in office space in Silver Spring, Maryland, subject to COVID restrictions and available work space. Staff may also be required to go to agency offices or other locations in Maryland to obtain client files, supplies, and the like.
Commitment to Diversity
MCASA is an equal opportunity employer. Its policy of nondiscrimination means that all employment decisions will be based on merit and without regard to factors unrelated to job performance, such as ethnicity, creed, marital status, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, and physical, emotional or mental capacity.
Note to Potential Applicants: Applicants do not need to possess all of the listed qualifications. Research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs where they do not meet all of the listed qualifications. If you don’t meet all qualifications but think you would be a good fit for the position, please apply.
MCASA values diverse life experience and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color, people with disabilities, and/or people who identify as LGBTQI are strongly encouraged to apply.
Our ideal candidate will share our passion and commitment to believing and supporting survivors, holding people who cause harm accountable, and taking action to end sexual assault in Maryland. We also expect that all members of our organization recognize that sexual violence and oppression are intricately linked, and are dedicated to grappling with the complexities of societal power and privilege in order to create an inclusive movement to end sexual violence. Candidates must be able to recognize personal biases and address them productively, as well as communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals, groups, and organizations.
Compensation
Salary range for new attorneys begins at $58,000; attorneys with more than 5 years relevant experience may be considered for a senior staff attorney position. MCASA offers a flexible work schedule and environment, including substantial remote work, and a range of benefits.
To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and writing sample to [email protected]. Please include your name and position title in the subject.