Shore Legal Access (SLA) is a Maryland nonprofit connecting Eastern Shore individuals and families in need of legal representation with volunteer attorneys to ensure that justice truly is for all. Shore Legal Access makes the law accessible to Eastern Shore residents facing challenges in civil legal matters, including family law, life and estate planning, consumer debt, landlord/tenant matters, and criminal record expungement. Its staff and volunteer attorneys empower individuals and families to resolve legal issues while helping those new to the law understand their role in advocating for their individual rights and responsibilities. Clients of Shore Legal Access walk away with an attorney in their corner, connections to community services, and a new perspective on the law. 

Job Summary 

SLA seeks an energetic and compassionate Advocacy Director to lead a dynamic team of professionals and network of volunteer attorneys to deliver pro bono legal services for people on the Eastern Shore with limited financial means. The Advocacy Director will lead SLA’s family law, life planning, and criminal record expungement work. The position entails providing some direct services as well as recruiting, engaging, training, and placing cases with local attorneys. The Advocacy Director will also participate in advocacy campaigns, engage with the Board of Directors, and collaborate with a diverse leadership team. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to public service, a compassionate approach to working with clients and the public, excellent ability to collaborate with staff and community partners, and strong cultural competency including diverse economic, social and cultural experiences. Fluency in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole is a plus. Substantive practice experience in family law and experience managing staff required. The position is based in Easton, Maryland and will require spending some time each week in the Salisbury office. Some local travel required for clinics, trainings, court, and statewide meetings. Reports to the executive director.

Salary Range: $78K-$88K, generous benefits package including excellent vacation and sick leave, individual health care, vision, flexible spending account, dental, short term and long term disability, and matching funds towards 401K retirement savings plan. SLA supports a family friendly, collaborative work environment with options for hybrid and flexible work schedules. Opportunities for professional development and cross training.  

Job Responsibilities 

• Lead legal team to deliver high quality legal representation for family law, life & estate planning, and criminal record expungement cases   

• Support and supervise a professional team of case managers to review cases, schedule clinics, place cases with volunteer attorneys, and maintain accurate records for reporting and tracking  

• Manage and support contract attorneys providing representation, supervise legal interns  

• Provide direct services including legal counseling and advice, support for clinics, and carry a small case load 

• Lead volunteer attorney engagement, including recruiting, training, and soliciting assistance from local attorneys 

• Organize and host volunteer attorney training and engagement opportunities 

• Participate in and lead policy advocacy campaigns  

• Build partnerships, participate in and seek leadership roles in statewide civil legal services networks, bar activities, and regional pro bono committees  

• Engage with, inform, and work collaboratively with SLA’s Board of Directors  

Job Qualifications 

• Admitted to practice law in the State of Maryland 

• Minimum of five years legal experience, substantive experience in family law required 

• Experience managing staff required  

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and public interest work 

• Outstanding interpersonal and personnel management skills 

• Strong oral and negotiation skills, and the ability to work as a team member  

• Diverse economic, social and cultural experiences and a second language are preferred 

• An ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting to facilitate a coordinated community response and provide holistic services to clients 

• Selected candidate must be fully COVID-19 vaccinated (including boosters) by first day of employment with SLA.  

How to Apply 

To apply, fill out the ONLINE APPLICATION and e-mail your letter of interest, resume, and certificate of good standing from the Maryland Court of Appeals to Cheryl Lee, Administrative Director: [email protected] 

Application Deadline: Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

Are you worried that you don’t have every qualification listed? Please still apply! If something about this opportunity speaks to your heart, we encourage you to still consider applying 

Shore Legal Access is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We value diversity and recognize that it enriches our organization, strengthens our services, and enhances our impact. Shore Legal Access works to acknowledge and honor individual differences by fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging for all service recipients, staff, volunteers, and leaders. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. SLA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, age, religion, disability status, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, or immigration status.