Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) is a 125+ year-old organization whose mission is to serve legal professionals across Maryland and beyond. As part of that mission, the MSBA develops and maintains a comprehensive library of highly regarded legal treatises, practice manuals, and coursebooks. The MSBA Learning Department is seeking a results-oriented, deadline-driven Legal Publications Attorney with the project management skills to move complex treatises and coursebooks to completion. This is not a passive editorial role. The Legal Publications Attorney will be a liaison between the MSBA and our elite volunteer authors, ensuring that the highest standards of the Maryland legal profession are met with speed, precision, and a steady output of saleable resources.

The ideal candidate has a “get it done” mindset, a focus on high-quality output, strong analytical and editorial skills, the creativity to overcome complex publishing and workflow obstacles, and a proactive drive to leave processes and teams better than you found them.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Publications Planning & Development
  • Partner with the CLE department to identify high-value programs and convert live program materials into polished, saleable coursebooks on a predictable monthly schedule.
  • Actively seek new publication opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with authors within the legal community.
  • Identify emerging legal topics for potential publication.
  • Work with volunteer authors to develop books, practice manuals, and forms in various legal subject areas.
• Legal Publications Management 
  • Manage the end-to-end publishing lifecycle for treatises, practice manuals, and coursebooks. Identify potential delays early and intervene to keep projects on schedule.
  • Troubleshoot technical, editorial, or logistical obstacles independently to ensure projects stay on track.
  • Edit all submitted content and resolve queries with authors.
  • Coordinate and communicate with external vendors, including an offshore design team, a freelance indexer, and a third-party printer, to ensure the timeliness and quality of MSBA publications.  
  • Ensure that all published content adheres to the association's style guide and legal publication guidelines.
  • Ensure quality control through final proof review.
• Research & Legal Trends:
  • Conduct research on developments in legal practice and ethics to identify relevant topics.
  • Review recent case law, statutory changes, and regulations that impact the legal profession for development into MSBA resources.

Intermittent/Adhoc Duties

• Regular attendance at high-profile section meetings, committee events, and networking mixers (typically 1–2 per month). 
• Participation in regular “all-hands” development days and strategic planning sessions at our Baltimore headquarters. 
• Support of the CLE team on-site for marquee educational programs, including the signature Legal Summit every June in Ocean City, Maryland, ensuring the smooth delivery of course materials and engaging directly with the members who use our resources.
• To ensure organizational agility, you will regularly cross-train in other critical roles within the Learning and CLE departments to ensure seamless continuity of service.
• Other duties as assigned to support the broader success of MSBA.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Education and Experience:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
  • Minimum of 5 years of legal experience. 
  • Background in law journal leadership, judicial clerkships, or high-volume litigation/transactional practice preferred.
• Problem Solving & Execution:
  • Proven ability to identify and define workflow bottlenecks and proactively develop and implement the solutions required to break them. 
  • A track record of navigating stalled projects by finding alternative solutions or adjusting production methods, ensuring all projects proceed to completion in a timely manner, regardless of obstacles.
• A I Aptitude & Operational Efficiency:
  • A demonstrable favorable view of Generative AI as a tool for legal research, drafting assistance, and workflow automation.
  • Hands-on experience using Large Language Models (LLMs) like Gemini, Claude, or ChatGPT to summarize transcripts, draft outlines, or automate repetitive editorial tasks.
• Project Driving & Technology:
  • Experience in identifying workflow bottlenecks and implementing creative solutions that resulted in measurable time savings.
  • Ability to demonstrate prior success in managing high-volume project lifecycles.
  • Experience implementing new workflows or technology (e.g., Asana, AI tools) to solve systemic delays. 
• Editorial & Creative Mastery:
  • Excellent legal writing, research, and reasoning skills, with mastery of legal citation styles (The Bluebook).
  • Ability to translate complex legal concepts into accessible educational content.

Work Environment:

• This position will be based in Maryland with opportunities for hybrid work arrangements.
• MSBA embraces a remote-first workflow for deep-focus editorial tasks. However, this role thrives on active, in-person presence at key moments throughout the year, allowing the Legal Publications Attorney to scout new authors, identify emerging legal trends, and build social capital.
• A flexible and collaborative work culture focused on professional development.
• Must reside within a commutable distance of the Baltimore office and be available for regular travel to other Maryland-based event sites

This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer with a passion for education and a desire to contribute to the professional development of the legal community. If you are driven, detail-oriented, and eager to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.

• Applications accepted through May 11, 2026, with initial interviews beginning in mid-May
• Anticipated start date:  July, 2026

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