Assistant Public Defender: Fall Class 2024

Full-time

No

# Assistant Public Defender
## Introduction
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is a statewide agency that provides superior representation to indigent clients at all stages of the criminal case including trial, appeal, and eligible post-conviction proceedings. Representation is provided through offices and services at 52 locations statewide with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. 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.

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.

## Positions Available
Assistant Public Defender positions are available 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)

## Responsibilities
Assistant Public Defenders combines their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. Primary responsibilities include:
- 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.

## Qualifications
- 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).
- Must be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at the time of appointment.
- 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.

## Education & Experience
### Assistant Public Defender I
- Education: A .
- Experience: None

### Assistant Public Defender II
- Education: A .
- Experience: Experience as a practicing Attorney.

## Salary
- Assistant Public Defender I- $84,, (Grade 20: Step 6-Step 19)
- Assistant Public Defender II-$93,, (Grade 21: Step 8-Step 19)

## Benefits
Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees. Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.

## Further Instructions
To be considered for this position, click below to fill out the application. Under the resume tab in the application portal, upload the following items as one PDF attachment: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, (4) a writing sample no longer than 15 pages, and (5) your law school transcript (if graduated from within the past 3 years). 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.

As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

All applicants

None

State of Maryland Employee Benefits

None

Research, Writing, Oral Advocacy, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational, Legal, and Administrative Skills

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

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

Legal