Olivia West (she/her) is an associate for the development team. Prior to joining the PJC, she worked as a grassroots organizer in Chicago and Colorado Springs to advocate for equitable, sustainable policy solutions. Olivia graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2025, where she earned her BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, baking, and learning new ways to craft.
Phone: (410) 625-9409
she / her
Benefits:
403(b)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Training & development
Vision insurance
Position Summary
The People and Culture Lead is responsible for supporting the cultivation of a high quality workplace culture along with day-to-day administration and implementation of various HR processes such as recruitment, onboarding, payroll support, benefits, labor relations, performance management, learning and development, offboarding, employee engagement, records management, and compliance efforts.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for complete employment life cycle activities from employee sourcing through termination, including sourcing & recruitment efforts, and on-boarding of new hires.
- Administers the recruitment process, including reviewing and updating position descriptions, tracking vacancies, drafting, and placing job ads, distributing applications, scheduling interviews, conducting phone screens, tracking applicants, and conducting reference checks, as assigned.
- Assists with offboarding activities to include but not limited to (stakeholder notifications, final pay calculations, employee records/profile updates, conducting exit interviews, overseeing property/equipment returns, etc.)
- Serves as primary contact for employee related questions and concerns and escalates matters when appropriate while ensuring effective communication through each life-cycle phase to proactively inform all relevant stakeholders involved when appropriate, to include preparation of weekly staff internal communications.
- Supports PJC Leadership in union related projects, negotiations, and tasks as needed, to include collaboration with external union representatives.
- Supports the administration of employee health, welfare and retirement plans including enrollments and changes to ensure compliant management of employee database, benefits records compliance and audit, federal and state compliance, and necessary filings.
- Partners with PJC leadership in providing support with the execution of the performance management process including coaching, counseling, new hire and annual reviews and partnership across each phase of the performance management process.
- Responsible for planning and execution of staff engagement events and activities with support from the Office/Operations Manager and Administrative Coordinator.
- Generates and maintains HR information and relevant employee processes in HRIS system in alignment with local, state, and federal laws and compliance with EEOC as needed, developing reports on demand and when necessary.
- Contributes to the ongoing maintenance & communication of the Employee Handbook including updates to ensure employees are informed on how to comply with company-wide policies, and HR programs, procedures, and guidelines.
- Remains knowledgeable and current regarding federal, state and case law changes and monitors labor law updates for changes that affect human resources and the organization to support drafting of proposed policies and HR-related compliance and legal and regulatory requirements.
- Assists with the enhancements or establishment of and maintenance of HRIS system, and related platforms supporting HR processes and procedures.
- Support for implementation of PJC’s race equity commitments and implementation of related initiatives.
- Performs other duties as requested.
Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills Required:
- At least an associate’s degree from an accredited school or university AND five (5) years of work experience; OR Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of experience working in a similar role
- Must have experience working in and supporting a unionized environment
- HR Certification a plus
- Spanish/English bilingual (or Spanish proficiency) in written translation is a plus
- Demonstrated experience and skills in key HR program areas of employee/labor relations, recruitment, total rewards, performance management, and talent management
- Proficient and experienced using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) applications, video conferencing technologies and HRIS/ATS platforms (ADP experience preferred)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, employee relations skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others within and outside the PJC
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong work ethic and capable of handling confidential and sensitive information with integrity
- Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and strong commitment to contribute to positive, supportive, and collaborative relationships
- Must be dependable with excellent time management skills and the ability to work under deadlines and manage multiple tasks and competing priorities
- Must be a self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision and in accordance with PJC’s policies and best practices
- Passion for social justice and commitment to the mission of the Public Justice Center and demonstrated experience with low-income, oppressed, or exploited communities
- Possess an understanding of the principles of race equity analysis and able to apply them to the PJC’s organizational life and to our work
- An authentic passion for the PJC’s mission with an ability to serve as an example for the PJC’s values and a deep commitment to intersectional and race equity with experience advancing these values in organizational practices
- Able to work flexible hours and engage in minimal travel as needed to support organizational needs
Applications:
We will accept applications through March 31, 2026, and conduct interviews on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please submit (1) a cover letter explaining your interest, (2) a resume, (3) a writing sample, and (4) the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three references. Please put your cover letter, writing samples, and references in a single PDF to upload in the “Cover Letter” portion of the application module.
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ADA Specifications:
- Normal demands associated with an office and remote-based office work environment
- Ability to work on computer for prolonged periods, communicate with individuals in person, by telephone, email, and video conferencing technologies
- Ability to travel as needed to support organizational needs
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and to assign other duties, as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Flexible work from home options available.
Compensation: $75,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year
March 6, 2026
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Training & development
Vision insurance
Status: NOLSW Bargaining Unit
Be a critical member in a team of dedicated social justice advocates! The Public Justice Center seeks an attorney to join its Workplace Justice Project.
The Public Justice Center (“PJC”) and the Workplace Justice Project
The PJC pursues systemic change to build a just society. Founded in Maryland in 1985, the PJC uses legal advocacy tools to pursue social justice, economic and racial equity, and fundamental human rights for people who are struggling to provide for their basic needs. The PJC is a civil legal aid office that provides advice and representation to low-income clients, advocates before legislatures and government agencies, and collaborates with community and advocacy organizations. For more about PJC, visit our website: www.publicjustice.org.
The PJC’s Workplace Justice Project seeks to advance justice, equity, and worker power in the workplace. Project attorneys approach this mission through a broad array of strategies, including representing low-wage workers in wage-theft suits in state and federal courts; providing know-your-rights education to workers and community groups; and engaging in worker-focused policy advocacy before the Maryland General Assembly in partnership with other advocates and organizations. We also make space to take on additional work outside of these areas as needed. We work closely with unions, grassroots membership organizations, and other community groups and follow the lead of the individuals most impacted by injustice. We focus on industries where wage theft is common and where people of color comprise a disproportionate part of the workforce.
Attorneys in the Workplace Justice Project are encouraged to develop and pursue their own ideas in line with the PJC’s priorities and approaches to systemic change. The attorney will report to the managing attorney of the Workplace Justice team.
Recent examples of the Workplace Justice Project’s successes include:
- In a landmark ruling, obtaining a preliminary injunction requiring Governor Hogan to reinstate prematurely terminated federal unemployment insurance benefits on behalf of hundreds of thousands of Maryland workers.
- Obtaining a Fourth Circuit decision establishing a new, employee-friendly standard for joint employment under the Fair Labor Standards Act, making it harder for employers to skirt their responsibilities to employees through layers of subcontracting.
- Settling a suit alleging unpaid wages and employment discrimination against a construction company for approximately $1,050,000 on behalf of 250 workers.
- Helping draft and lead the successful advocacy campaign for the Healthy Working Families Act, Maryland’s sick and safe leave law.
- Obtaining partial summary judgment and a subsequent settlement of $412,099.08 for 13 paratransit drivers who had been misclassified as independent contractors and subjected to egregious wage theft.
- Prevailing after a week-long trial in federal court and obtaining $93,450 on behalf of 11 construction workers who worked on a fitness facility for weeks to months with no pay at all.
Core Duties:
- Engaging in all aspects of litigation in state and federal courts, including fact development; legal research; drafting of pleadings, motions, and memoranda; and discovery
- Providing know-your-rights trainings and outreach to community groups and participants in workforce development programs
- Drafting legislation and advocating for its passage, including in the Maryland General Assembly
- Actively participating in community and advocate coalitions
- Developing and advancing the goals of the PJC and the Workplace Justice Project, including contributing to the team’s workplan and race equity analysis
Desired Skills and Experience:
The following qualifications are valued for this position. Applicants should also identify other related or supplementary skills and experiences.
- Maryland bar admission or admission to another state bar and willingness to secure admission in Maryland as soon as possible
- Prior legal experience with low-income and other oppressed communities and clients
- Ideally, at least three years of experience practicing as a lawyer, although outstanding attorneys with less experience will also be considered. More experienced attorneys are encouraged to apply.
- Passion for social justice and commitment to the PJC’s vision
- Understanding of the principles of race equity analysis and the intersection of racism and poverty and their application to the PJC’s organizational life and to our work
- Attention to detail and keen organization skills
- Ability to work under deadline and manage multiple tasks
- Lived experience with our client communities highly desired
- Ability to empathize and sensitively respond to people in crisis situations
- Strong problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others within and outside the PJC
- Spanish language skills a plus
Compensation:
This is a full-time, exempt, professional position. The attorney may be called upon to work hours more than 40 hours in a workweek, including the potential for evening and weekend work. Local travel will be required at times. Salary is determined by the PJC’s pay scale; the range for an attorney with 3 to 7 years of experience is $78,000 – $89,000 and increases with experience, plus a $3,000 Spanish language annual salary supplement if qualified. An excellent cafeteria benefit package in the annual amount of $16,800 is also provided. This package offers health, dental, vision and disability insurance, and retirement options. Cafeteria benefits packages give employees flexibility to choose how to direct their benefits. For example, this package can cover 100% of employee healthcare premiums, but an employee can choose to direct those funds towards retirement if they already have health insurance, or can have remaining funds added to the employee’s taxable salary. PJC employees receive at least 15 days of paid leave, with increases based on length of tenure, 12 paid holidays, and 15 days of sick leave annually. In addition, the PJC closes for two paid rest weeks each year in June and December.
Applications:
We will accept applications and conduct interviews on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but priority consideration will be given to applications received by March 30, 2026. To apply, please submit (1) a cover letter explaining your interest, (2) a resume, (3) two legal writing samples, and (4) the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three references. Please put your cover letter, writing samples, and references in a single PDF to upload in the “Cover Letter” portion of the application module. Submit your application here.
Most PJC positions, including this one, generally have the option of working in our office in downtown Baltimore City or at home. The attorney will be required to come to the office, the courts, or other meetings as necessary.
Physical/Mental Demands and Office Environment:
The physical/mental demands described in this job announcement 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 qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The Public Justice Center is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that encourages all interested persons to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage Black, Latine, Indigenous, and other applicants of color, people with disabilities, and other people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
Flexible work from home options available.
Compensation: $78,000.00 – $89,000.00 per year
The Public Justice Center (“we”, “us”, “our”, “PJC”) is offering a text messaging program (“Program”) subject to these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”). The following Terms describe the Program and our collection and use of your personal information, which is also subject to our Privacy Policy. By enrolling, signing up, or otherwise agreeing to participate in the Program, you accept and agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy.
If you do not wish to continue participating in the Program or no longer agree to these Terms, you can reply STOP to any text message from us, email news@publicjustice.org, or call the PJC at 410-625-9409 to opt out of the program.
Program Description and Frequency
The PJC will send up to four text messages per month, including but not limited to, text messages asking you to contact your elected officials in support of or opposition to a bill, providing status updates on legislative or litigation victories, inviting you to events, and requesting donations to support our legal advocacy. Message frequency will vary. Our messages will not be sent to you by an automatic telephone dialing system; however, by opting in, you agree to receive autodialed text messages.
Opt-In and Consent to Receive Text Messages
To receive text messages from the PJC, complete our secure sign-up form.
By opting in, you agree to receive recurring text messages from the PJC at the mobile number associated with your opt-in, even if such number is registered on any state or federal “Do Not Call” list. You agree that any mobile phone number you provide to us is a valid mobile number of which you are the owner and authorized user. If you change your mobile phone number or are no longer the owner or authorized user of the mobile phone number, you agree to promptly notify us at news@publicjustice.org or by calling the PJC at 410-625-9409.
Opt-out and Help
If you wish to stop receiving text messages from the Public Justice Center, text STOP in response to any text from us. You may also send an email indicating your preferences regarding text communications to news@publicjustice.org or call the PJC at (410) 625-9409. After opting out, you will receive a confirmation message, and no further messages will be sent unless you opt back in.
For help, text HELP in response to any text from us. You may also send questions regarding text communications to news@publicjustice.org or call the PJC at (410) 625-9409.
Eligibility
Individuals with a valid U.S. mobile number of which you are the owner and authorized user are eligible to sign up for this Program.
Costs and Liability
We do not charge for text messages sent through this Program, but you are responsible for any message and data rates imposed by your mobile provider, as standard data and message rates may apply for SMS and MMS alerts. Please check with your mobile carrier for details on your plan and applicable charges.
The Program may not be available in all areas, at all times, or on all mobile providers. Alerts sent via SMS may not be delivered if the mobile phone is not in range of a transmission site, or if sufficient network capacity is not available at a particular time. Even within a coverage area, factors beyond the control of the wireless operator may interfere with message delivery, including the customer’s equipment, terrain, proximity to buildings, foliage, and weather. Wireless operators do not guarantee message delivery and will not be held liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
You agree that neither the PJC nor our service providers will be liable for failed, delayed, or misdirected delivery of any text message; the security of messages; or information sent through the Program.
Data and Privacy
The PJC is committed to protecting your privacy. You can view our privacy policy at https://www.publicjustice.org/en/privacy-policy/
Data obtained from you in connection with this text messaging program may include your mobile phone number, your carrier’s name and the date, time and content of your messages. We will use the information you provide to transmit text messages; respond to you by text, if necessary; and contact you by phone about donations you make to the PJC, if applicable, or to respond to your questions about our text messaging program.
We reserve the right at all times to disclose any information as necessary to satisfy any law, regulation or governmental request, to avoid liability, or to protect Our rights or property.
Legal and Compliance
To comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), you must provide express prior consent to receive text messages from the PJC. Consent must be specific to our organization, and consent to receive text messages is not a condition of any purchase or donation.
We reserve the right to change these Terms or to modify the Program from time to time. Any updates to these Terms or the Program shall be communicated to you. You acknowledge your responsibility to review these Terms from time to time and to be aware of any such changes. By continuing to participate in the Program after any such changes, you accept these Terms, as modified.
If any provision hereof is unlawful, void or unenforceable, that provision is deemed severable from the other provisions hereof and does not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions.
These Terms shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Maryland without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Maryland or, if appropriate, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland for resolution of any dispute, action or proceeding arising in connection with these Terms or your use or non-use of the Site, and you further irrevocably waive any right you may have to trial by jury in any such dispute, action or proceeding.
Email news@publicjustice.org or call the PJC at (410) 625-9409 regarding any disputes.
Yuné Aroni currently serves as PJC’s Administrative Coordinator. After having served for three years at the Homeless Persons Representation Project as an Administrative Assistant, they are excited to work alongside the Public Justice Center. In their free time, you will find them reading a book, writing poetry, or painting abstract surrealist art.
Phone: (410) 625-9409
About the Summer Internship Program
The Public Justice Center (PJC) is offering two (2) law clerk/legal internship opportunities to law students during the summer of 2026. PJC has projects working in multiple areas of law:
- Workplace Justice. The Workplace Justice Project conducts wage-theft litigation on behalf of low-wage workers and worker-related policy advocacy.
- Education Stability. The Education Stability Project advocates for students facing unlawful suspension or expulsion, and other forms of school pushout.
- Health and Benefits Equity. The Health and Benefits Equity Project works to protect and expand Medicaid and other public benefits.
- Human Right to Housing. The Human Right to Housing Project protects and expands tenants’ right to safe, habitable, affordable, non-discriminatory housing.
- National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel. The National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel assists local advocates around the country with litigation and legislation to expand the civil right to counsel.
- Appellate Advocacy. The Appellate Advocacy Project advances law reform through appeals and amicus briefs.
For more information on each project team works visit our website: https://www.publicjustice.org/en/what-we-do/
Office and Schedule
- PJC is a hybrid work office with employees working remotely at times and in the office at times.
- Legal interns typically work a 40-hour work week during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
- Legal interns are encouraged to seek funding from their schools or other sources. If funding is unavailable, legal interns may be eligible to receive a stipend up to $8,000 for their work during the Summer.
Hiring Criteria
We are looking for interns who:
- Are committed to working toward racial equity and economic justice and willing to learn and contribute to our mission.
- Demonstrate a background and/or interest in one or more of the following: public interest law/poverty law, domestic or international human rights law, housing law, and community organizing or community economic development.
- Possess legal research and writing skills, attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple responsibilities, and the ability to work with a class- and race-diverse constituency.
- Spanish proficiency or fluency is favored but not required.
Applications
Applications for summer internships should be submitted as soon as possible to be assured of consideration, but applications will be accepted until January 19 and interviews conducted between January 23-30. To apply, submit by email the following documents to internships@publicjustice.org.
- Cover letter (including a statement regarding your understanding of and commitment to race equity)
- Resume
- A legal writing sample
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Equal Opportunity: The Public Justice Center is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that encourages all interested persons to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other applicants of color, people with disabilities, and other people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
Physical/Mental Demands and Office Environment: The physical/mental 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 qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The harm and cruelty are never-ending. Every day seems to bring a new assault on our communities from the federal government.
Pulling health care coverage from millions of people.
Eviscerating safety net programs that keep families fed and afloat in difficult times.
Dismantling agencies, like the U.S. Department of Education, that keep an eye on the protection of civil and human rights.
Eroding the rights of transgender people.
The damage goes on, as officials roll out more and more ways to undermine people’s livelihoods, education, health, safety, and identities. And we know the impact is being felt most acutely across Black and brown communities.
Now is not the time to back down or turn away from our neighbors. We must stand strong and protect people’s rights in Maryland as rights are rolled back at the federal level.
Will you join us? Your monthly gift or one-time gift will fuel our collective fight to dismantle oppressive and racist systems and build pathways to justice.
Whether we’re advocating in the courts or the state legislature or government agencies, the PJC and allies are taking action on a number of fronts.
Protecting healthcare and the safety net
In the wake of federal actions, we’re defending Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to minimize the impact on Marylanders. Across the state, hundreds of thousands of people are projected to lose health coverage and food assistance. Recent changes to federal law severely cut SNAP and Medicaid funding, create harsh and ineffective new work requirements in both programs, and restricts eligibility for most immigrants.
This puts Maryland in the difficult position of finding millions more in state funding and reducing the support that the safety net provides to individuals and families in crisis. As we head into the Maryland legislative session, we’ll oppose state cuts and restrictions that would limit people’s eligibility.
Defending trans rights
As federal policies take away the rights of transgender people, we’re advocating to protect gender-affirming care in Maryland.
We’re working to increase the number of healthcare providers who provide gender-affirming care and accept Medicaid. This is especially important as a growing number of people come to Maryland for care because of fear of prosecution in another state.
And we’ll remain vigilant to counter any potential attempts to reduce state funding for gender-affirming care as the state grapples with the federal Medicaid cuts.
Advocating for the right to housing
We’re defending the rights of people experiencing homelessness and those in danger of losing their homes. An executive order encourages officials to criminalize people who are unhoused, shut down the places where they live, and put people in mental health facilities against their will. We advocate for real solutions: eviction prevention; affordable, accessible permanent housing; and supportive services.
We’re also pushing back against a multi-state agenda that aims to strip legitimate tenants of their rights by wrongly branding them as squatters. We will combat this legislation in Maryland, which would make it easier to evict someone without due process.
Holding the line at home is urgent. Together with community members, fellow advocates, and people like you, we will take on the challenges as they arise.
And we must go farther. Your gift will keep us moving forward as we fight for a just and equitable future where everyone has what they need to thrive. Well-paying jobs. Safe homes. Supportive schools. Quality education and healthcare. Dignity and respect.
Thank you for your steadfast commitment to building such a world.
Thank you for your steadfast support of the Public Justice Center! We are proud to share our annual report for FY 2025. Together with clients, community members, partners, donors, volunteers, and staff, we’re advancing justice and racial equity at a time when hard-won rights are under attack. Check out the report to learn about progress on advocacy to protect and expand the rights of Marylanders and people across the country.
The accomplishments reflected in the report are a testament to you and your commitment to our work. Thank you for joining us in the fight.
Our annual report has features that make it easy to explore and share:
- Jump straight to key sections of the report from the table of contents and use the home button to navigate back.
- Find exactly what you’re looking for with the search tool.
- Explore additional PJC resources by following the links to reports, videos, news coverage, and more.
- Share our annual report to your social media pages with one click, or get a link to share it by email.
Katelyn Flowers is a dedicated and community-driven professional who serves as the new Executive Assistant to Dr. Khalilah M. Harris at the Public Justice Center. A graduate of Hampton University, she earned her honors degree in Business Entrepreneurship, graduating summa cum laude this past May. Katelyn is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the National Council of Negro Women, and serves as a mentor partner in Better Than Yesterday Mentoring Inc. She is also the founder of The Living Line, an organization dedicated to helping individuals navigate new policy changes and community needs. Her work reflects a deep commitment to social justice, equity, and human rights. She is passionate about using her organizational and leadership skills to support advocacy efforts that advance equality and dignity for Black and brown communities.
Phone: (410) 625-9409 x246
Sarah Miller (she/her) is the 2025-2026 Francis D. Murnaghan, Jr. Appellate Advocacy Fellow. She supports the Appellate Advocacy Project by identifying and litigating cases that fight systemic racism and poverty. Seeking to protect and advance civil rights, Sarah represents both parties and amici curiae in state and federal appellate courts. Sarah is particularly interested in the fields of employment law, like helping those with Title VII claims, and reproductive and gender justice.
Prior to her fellowship, Sarah clerked for the Honorable Laura S. Ripken on the Appellate Court of Maryland.
Sarah earned a J.D. from University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law where she worked as a student attorney in the Gender, Prison, and Trauma Clinic and was the Manuscripts Editor of the University of Maryland Law Journal of Race, Religion, Gender and Class. She earned a B.S.W., magna cum laude from the Florida State University. Before law school, Sarah was a social worker for kids and families who had state-funded healthcare and needed mental, emotional, and behavioral health services.
Sarah enjoys long-distance running, spending time outside with her dog Riley, and live music.
(410) 625-9409 x222
she/her
