Assistant Public Defender: Fall Class 2024

Full-time

No

# Summary
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is currently recruiting for Assistant Public Defenders to serve in District Court locations throughout the State of Maryland. The successful candidates for these positions will be dedicated and client-centered litigators with a demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins. The positions will offer a salary of $84,, and will begin their employment with MOPD by August 07, 2024.

## Job Title: Assistant Public Defender

### Primary Responsibilities
- Provide legal representation to indigent defendants charged with misdemeanor criminal and traffic matters.
- Prepare and manage an active caseload including, but not limited to bail review hearings, District Court trials, preliminary hearings, violation of probation hearings, and modification of sentence hearings.
- Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and providers for optimal client outcomes.
- Seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

### Core Competencies and Requirements
- Commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
- 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).
- Membership in good standing with the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state by July 2024.

### 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. All 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 be able to work in various positions and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state.

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. They are 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 operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please or .

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.

Research, Writing, Oral Advocacy, Interpersonal, Client-Centered Representation, Tenacious Advocacy

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