Job Title: Staff Attorney II
Location: Frederick, MD
Organization: Heartly House
Position Type: Full-Time (Exempt, 35 hours/week)
Schedule: Monday-Friday, daytime hours
Reports To: Legal Services Director
Benefits: Eligible
Salary Range: $80,400.00-82,400.00, dependent on experience
About Heartly House
Heartly House has served the Frederick County community for over 40 years, providing comprehensive services to survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. Our programs are rooted in trauma-informed, client-centered care with a mission to end abuse and empower survivors through prevention, intervention, and advocacy.
Position Summary
Heartly House Legal Services (“HHLS”) is dedicated to utilizing the legal system to provide safety and autonomy to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and/or human trafficking. Our legal services include, but are not limited to, providing brief advice on navigating the legal system, as well as representation in protective order hearings and family law cases. The Senior Staff Attorney provides high-quality, trauma-informed legal representation in family law and protective order matters. This role is deeply collaborative, requiring the Senior Staff Attorney to work alongside Legal Victim Advocates, HHLS Attorneys, members of other HH Departments, and community partners to ensure coordinated, client-centered support. The Senior Staff Attorney, through representing victims/survivors and working within the HH framework, contributes to a compassionate, legal practice for victims/survivors. HHLS practices exclusively in Frederick County, Maryland. Note: this is not a remote position.
Key Responsibilities
· Provide direct legal services using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach that prioritizes client autonomy, safety, and dignity.
· Primary HHLS Family Law (divorce/custody/child support) attorney; taking lead on ninety percent (90%) of all cases accepted for representation. Caseload to be determined in collaboration with Legal Director.
· Provide brief advice and/or counseling to non-represented individuals on family law matters.
· Represent clients seeking protective orders arising out of, and related to, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and/or child abuse.
· Develop case theory and legal strategies and relate those theories and strategies to the client in a way that accounts for the impact of trauma and utilizes flexible communication practices.
· Ensure clients are informed, empowered decision-makers throughout their cases.
· Document client interactions and outcomes in HH’s case management system.
· Collaborate closely with Legal Victim Advocates throughout all stages of representation, from intake through case resolution.
· Engage in regular case consultations with Legal Victim Advocates to align legal strategies with client safety plans and support needs.
· Maintain clear, respectful communication and teamwork with Legal Victim Advocates and HHLS Attorneys to best serve clients.
· Collaborate with Legal Team to identify and address barriers clients face within and beyond the legal system (i.e., housing, safety, economic stability, language differences, etc.).
· Contribute to a team culture rooted in trust, transparency, respect, and shared accountability.
· Uphold highest standard of legal ethics.
· Adhere to HH philosophy, policies, and procedures; successfully complete HH training; attend all staff and team meetings.
· Other duties as assigned.
Training & Requirements
· J.D. from an accredited law school.
· Active bar membership in Maryland.
· Three (3) or more years of hands‑on experience practicing and litigating family law matters, including divorce, custody, and child support.
· Deep understanding of trauma and its impact on victims/survivors.
· Experience working with domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and/or human trafficking victims/survivors. Will consider work with other trauma impacted populations.
· Demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed, client-centered advocacy.
· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work across disciplines with advocates, social workers, counselors, and other non-legal professionals.
· Dedication to equity, inclusion, and cultural awareness/humility.
· Ability to balance legal priorities with holistic, client-centered care.
· Successful completion of all required Heartly House Learning Management System (LMS) courses upon hire.
· Ongoing participation in continuing education and professional development.
· Compliance with all internal policies, procedures, and certification requirements as outlined by Heartly House and relevant authorities.
Benefits
Heartly House offers a supportive work environment with opportunities for growth and professional development. Benefits may include:
· Paid time off (PTO) and 12 observed holidays
· Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
· 401K Retirement plan
· Ongoing training and certification support
· Meaningful, mission-driven work that makes a difference in the community
Pay: $80,400.00 - $82,400.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you an active bar member in Maryland?
- How many years of experience do you have with litigating family law matters?
- How many years of experience do you have working with survivors of abuse?
Work Location: In person
