ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II & III

Min 3 yrs required

Full-time

No

Assistant Public Defender II & III in Southern Maryland

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in our Southern Maryland office (serving Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties). Assistant Public Defenders combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

GRADE

ASTD21, ASTD22

LOCATION OF POSITION

Southern Maryland office (serving Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties)

Main Purpose of Job

The positions require exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active felony caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement.

POSITION DUTIES

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent clients in legal matters, including bail hearings, motions hearings, trials, and appeals in felony cases.
• Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
• Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents in preparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
• Drafts and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions, correspondence, and appeals for clients.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
• Counsels and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
• Negotiates with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.
• Provides post-representation follow-up with the client regarding matters such as client release, and other appropriate collateral issues.
• Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.
• Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
• Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

Core Competencies and Requirements:

• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
• Criminal trial experience required. Felony jury trial experience (experience handling complex criminal jury trials where clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) is preferred.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the start date.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A .

Experience: Experience as a practicing Attorney.

Notes:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

SALARY

Assistant Public Defender II- $93,, (Grade 21: Step 08- Step 19)
Assistant Public Defender III- $103,, (Grade 22: Step 10- Step 19)

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

If you wish to be considered, please click below to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Resume Tab: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four references, and (4) writing sample (required only for attorneys with 3+ years of experience pursuing a felony position).

Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.

State of Maryland employees. Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.

Legal research, Writing, Oral Advocacy, Interpersonal Skills

Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online

Qualification and Experience Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law

Legal