Assistant Public Defender II & III

Full-time

No

Summary:

Organization: Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD)
Job Title: Assistant Public Defender II & III
Experience: Experienced Attorney
Locations: Multiple openings across the state of Maryland
Salary: $93, - $135,
Department: OPD District Operations
Date Opened: 3/26/2024
Filing Deadline: Open/Continuous
Employment Type: Full-Time

Introduction:

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is seeking an experienced and passionate litigator to join their team as an Assistant Public Defender. This position is available in multiple locations throughout the state of Maryland. MOPD is committed to building a diverse staff and encourages individuals from historically underrepresented communities to apply.

About MOPD:

MOPD is a statewide agency that provides high-quality legal representation to indigent clients at all stages of the criminal case. With offices and services at 52 locations and approximately 1000 employees, MOPD is dedicated to fighting for justice and fairness for all. The agency values diversity, equity, and inclusion and utilizes the unique talents, identities, and perspectives of its employees to provide superior representation to clients. MOPD stands against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all communities and spaces.

Mission and Values:

MOPD's mission is centered on Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. The agency's employees are committed to a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy in pursuit of this mission. MOPD is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work.

Job Title and Grade:

Assistant Public Defender II & III
ASTD 21, ASTD 22

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)

Main Purpose of Job:

The Assistant Public Defender II & III position requires exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active felony caseload. Attorneys will work in a team-oriented environment with social workers and core staff. The job requires a balance between a client-centered approach to representation and advocating for systemic change to address inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement.

Position Duties:

- Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case, including bail hearings, motions hearings, trials, and appeals.
- Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
- Conduct legal research and analysis to prepare for trial and anticipate legal problems.
- Draft reports, memoranda, briefs, motions, and other legal documents for clients.
- Communicate effectively with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers.
- Counsel and advise clients on changes in law and legal issues.
- Negotiate with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders for outcomes favorable to the client.
- Provide post-representation follow-up with clients.
- Manage a full caseload competently and independently.
- Pursue professional and personal development through training and continuing legal education.
- Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

Minimum Qualifications:

- A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent from an accredited law school.
- Experience as a practicing Attorney.
- Admission to the Maryland Bar 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 inequity in the criminal justice system.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills.
- Criminal trial experience, with preference for felony jury trial experience.
- 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).

Benefits:

Salary is dependent on experience and follows the salary rules for State of Maryland employees. This is a lateral transfer for internal candidates.

- Assistant Public Defender II: $93,, (Grade 21, Step 8-24)
- Assistant Public Defender III: $103,, (Grade 22, Step 10-24)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employee's page for more information on benefits.

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, please click on the link below and submit the following items in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page Resume Tab: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four references, and (4) a writing sample (required for attorneys with 3+ years of experience pursuing a felony position). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Important Notes:

- Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.
- MOPD is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.
- Applicants must have access to a computer and transportation.

Conclusion:

If you are a dedicated and experienced attorney with a passion for justice and fairness, consider joining the team at the Maryland Office of the

Not specified

Yes

Not specified

Legal research, writing, oral advocacy, communication, organizational, administrative, criminal trial experience, felony jury trial experience, active bar membership

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 pursuing a felony position).

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

Legal