Assistant Public Defender: Fall Class 2024

Full-time

No

# Assistant Public Defender: Fall Class 2024

## 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.

## Locations
Locations for the position of Assistant Public Defender are available in the following counties:
* Allegany
* Anne Arundel
* Baltimore City
* Baltimore County
* Calvert
* Caroline
* Carroll
* Cecil
* Charles
* Dorchester
* Frederick
* Garrett
* Harford
* Howard
* Kent
* Montgomery
* Prince George's
* Queen Anne's
* Somerset
* St. Mary's
* Talbot
* Washington County
* Wicomico
* Worcester

## Main Purpose of Job
Assistant Public Defenders combine 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.

## Position Duties
Primary Responsibilities for the position of Assistant Public Defender 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.

## Core Competencies and Requirements
The successful applicant should possess the following competencies and requirements:
* 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 .
* Experience: None

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

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

## 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. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d)(2).

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. Applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must

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.

Legal research, writing, oral advocacy, communication, interpersonal, organizational, administrative

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

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.

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

Legal