Assistant Public Defender: Fall Class 2024

Full-time

No

# Assistant Public Defender
## Introduction
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks dedicated and client-centered litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in District Court locations throughout the State of Maryland. Candidates with limited/moderate amount of criminal trial experience interested in joining OPD to do criminal trial work are invited to apply. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

MOPD’s mission focuses on Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and function as a team united in achieving MOPD’s mission. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

## Locations Throughout Maryland
Assistant Public Defenders will be located in the following locations:
- District 1 (Baltimore City)
- District 2 (Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester Counties)
- District 3 (Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot Counties)
- District 4 (Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's Counties)
- District 5 (Prince George's County)
- District 6 (Montgomery County)
- District 7 (Anne Arundel County)
- District 8 (Baltimore County)
- District 9 (Harford County)
- District 10 (Carroll and Howard Counties)
- District 11 (Frederick and Washington Counties)
- District 12 (Allegany and Garrett Counties)

Learn more:

## Main Purpose of Job
Assistant Public Defenders combines their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. Offers will be made on a rolling basis. Successful candidates for these positions will begin their employment with OPD by August 07, 2024. All selected candidates are required to attend training from August 12, 2024, to August 26, 2024.

## Primary Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of an Assistant Public Defender are:
- Zealous representation of indigent defendants charged with misdemeanor criminal and traffic matters.
- Ability to prepare for and manage an active caseload; including, but not limited to the handling of bail review hearings, District Court trials, preliminary hearings, violation of probation hearings, and modification of sentence hearings competently and resourcefully.
- Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and providers for optimal client outcomes.
- Continuously seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
- Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

## Core Competencies and Requirements
Successful candidates must demonstrate:
- Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
- Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
- Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Compassion.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
- Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
- Exposure to the proceedings and pace of the District Court (litigation experience or judicial clerkship helpful).
- All offers will be contingent on membership in good standing with the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state by July 2024. Individuals who are a member of the Bar of another State must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.

## Minimum Qualifications
### Assistant Public Defender I
- Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
- Experience: None
- Notes:
- Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at the time of appointment.
- The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
- Candidates may substitute . Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

### Assistant Public Defender II
- Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
- Experience: Experience as a practicing Attorney.
- Notes:
- Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at the time of appointment.
- The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
- Candidates may substitute . Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

## Benefits

Refer to website

Litigation, Research, Writing, Oral Advocacy, Interpersonal Communication

Juris Doctorate Degree or Equivalent Degree from an Accredited School of Law

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application using the Internet or Paper Application. Upload resume, cover letter, list of four professional references, writing sample, and law school transcript.

Qualification and Experience Juris Doctorate Degree or Equivalent Degree from an Accredited School of Law

Legal