Part-Time Volunteer Opportunity: Attorney To Recruit and Coordinate Pro- and Low-Bono Legal Services for Human Trafficking Survivors
The University of Maryland Support, Advocacy, Freedom, and Empowerment Center for Human Trafficking Survivors (“SAFE Center”) is seeking a public service-oriented attorney interested in volunteering on a part time basis to help us grow our pro- and low-bono network of Maryland-based lawyers that practice in areas of law that survivors of sex and labor trafficking need to rebuild their lives.
About the SAFE Center
The SAFE Center is a direct service, research, and advocacy center on human trafficking. We provide comprehensive social, legal, mental health, crisis intervention, and economic empowerment services to survivors of sex and labor trafficking of any age, gender, or nationality. The SAFE Center’s mission is rooted in social justice and its active efforts to fight systemic racism as it recognizes this as one of the causes of human trafficking. Located in College Park, Maryland, we are currently delivering client services remotely and through online platforms as we phase in a return to in-person services, consistent with public health guidelines due to COVID-19. More information is available on the SAFE Center’s website at www.umdsafecenter.org.
Pro- and Low-Bono Attorney Network
Part of the SAFE Center’s core mission in helping trafficking survivors to rebuild their lives is to provide comprehensive legal services. In-house, the SAFE Center provides critical legal immigration services and crime victim’s rights representation. Survivors need a myriad of other legal services to remove barriers to their ability to move forward with their lives. This volunteer position would build on the pro- and low-bono network the SAFE Center has initiated with the goal of securing services, particularly on Maryland state law issues, for our clients in the following areas:
Family Law: Divorce; custody; securing child support; domestic violence / civil protection orders; guardian ad litem; advocacy within the child welfare system
Employment Law: Wage and hour violations; employment discrimination
Civil Rights: Enforce constitutional civil rights to due process, equal protection, and right against unreasonable search and seizure; protect against housing discrimination
Public Benefits: Access to public benefits like Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security Insurance, and others; access to crime victim compensation
Housing: Landlord / Tenant; access to public housing
Criminal Justice: Criminal defense for survivors charged with prostitution and related crimes; vacating prostitution-related convictions
Consumer Protection/Bankruptcy: To help survivors clear debt they were forced to incur by their traffickers
Tax: To help survivors understand their rights and responsibilities regarding tax payment
Attorneys who join our network may be called upon to advise, represent, or otherwise assist a client depending on their time and resource availability, barring any conflicts.
Volunteer Attorney Coordinator Position
This part-time, volunteer position will recruit and engage a network of pro- and low-bono attorneys in Maryland to help the SAFE Center provide seamless legal services survivors of sex and labor trafficking in the state. We anticipate an initial commitment of approximately 10-15 hours per month. By early next year, we believe the time commitment would adjust to approximately 5-10 hours per month to manage the network and maintain communications between staff and volunteer counselors. This work will be done remotely and according to the schedule of the volunteer.
We are looking for a coordinator who:
- Is a member in good standing of the Maryland Bar
- Has a passion for public service and is willing to volunteer their time on a part-time basis ● Has knowledge of legal service providers and legal networks in Maryland
- Has experience managing attorneys and/or volunteers
- Demonstrates an interest in learning about trauma informed practices
- Possesses an understanding of the challenges faced by populations with a history of racism and systemic oppression
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Laura Ardito, Deputy Director, at lardito@umd.edu. Please write “Low Bono Network” in your subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
The SAFE Center and the University of Maryland is committed to creating a work and educational environment that is rich in diversity, inclusive, and supportive of all students, faculty, and staff.
We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
