Assistant Public Defender II & III

Full-time

No

Summary:

Organization: Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD)
Position: Assistant Public Defender II & III
Experience: Experienced Attorney
Locations: Multiple openings across the state of Maryland
Department: District Operations
Salary: $93, - $135,
Employment Type: Full-Time

Introduction:

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is seeking an experienced and passionate litigator to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in various locations throughout the state. MOPD is committed to building a diverse team and encourages individuals from historically underrepresented groups in the legal field to apply.

About MOPD:

MOPD is a statewide agency that provides superior representation to indigent clients at all stages of the criminal case, including trial, appeal, and post-conviction proceedings. With approximately 1000 employees and 52 locations statewide, MOPD is dedicated to using their legal expertise to fight for justice and fairness. The team at MOPD comes from diverse backgrounds and uses their unique talents and perspectives to provide exceptional representation to their clients. They are committed to standing against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all communities and spaces.

Mission and Values:

MOPD's mission is centered around Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. The team is guided by their core values of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and works together to achieve their mission. MOPD is also committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work and the practice of public defense.

Locations and Openings:

Multiple openings are available in various locations throughout the state of Maryland, including Baltimore City, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester Counties, and more. See the full list of locations in the "Location of Position" section.

Main Purpose of Job:

The Assistant Public Defender position requires exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently while managing an active felony caseload. Attorneys work in a team-oriented environment with social workers and core staff. They must balance a client-centered approach with advocacy to address systemic inequity and collateral consequences that may lead to further involvement in the criminal justice system.

Position Duties:

- Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case
- Conduct legal research and analysis
- Draft and prepare legal documents
- Communicate effectively with clients, team members, and other stakeholders
- Negotiate with prosecutors, judges, and other parties involved in the case
- Provide post-representation follow-up with clients
- Manage a full caseload independently
- Seek professional and personal development through training and education

Minimum Qualifications:

- Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent from an accredited school of law
- Experience as a practicing attorney
- Admitted to practice law in the State of Maryland at the time of appointment

Selective Qualifications:

- Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities
- Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
- Dedication to addressing systemic racism and unfairness in the criminal justice system
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with diverse individuals
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Exceptional organizational and administrative skills
- Criminal trial experience required, felony jury trial experience 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 start date)

Salary and Benefits:

Salary for this position is dependent on experience and follows the salary rules for State of Maryland employees. This would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates. See the salary ranges for Assistant Public Defender II and III in the "Benefits" section.

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, please fill out the application and submit the following items in a single PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page Resume Tab: current resume, cover letter, list of four references, and writing sample (required for attorneys with 3+ years of experience pursuing a felony position). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Additional Information:

- Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.
- As a State agency, MOPD is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.
- Applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and complete tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities during the application process or while on the job.
- Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation.
- If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor.
- For more information and to apply, click on the links provided in the "Further Instructions" section.

Conclusion:

If you are an experienced attorney looking for a challenging and rewarding position with a commitment to justice and fairness, consider applying for the Assistant Public Defender II & III position with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender. With multiple openings across the state and a dedicated team, this is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of indigent clients and work towards a more equitable criminal justice system.

Not specified.

Health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, professional development opportunities.

N/A.

Trial skills, investigative skills, legal research, writing, oral advocacy, negotiation, communication, team-oriented, organizational, administrative.

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

Fill out the application and submit a resume, cover letter, list of references, and writing sample (required for attorneys with 3+ years of experience).

Qualification and Experience Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law, admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland.

Legal