Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Centerville, MD

Government

Centerville, MD

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Centerville, MD

Attorney

No

Job Title: Assistant Public Defender II & III

Job Responsibilities:

- Represent clients in all stages of their criminal cases, including bail hearings, motions hearings, trials, and post-trial hearings.
- Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected throughout the legal process.
- Conduct legal research and analysis, including examining changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents to prepare for trials and anticipate legal problems.
- Draft and prepare reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions, and correspondence for clients.
- Communicate effectively and compassionately with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
- Counsel and advise clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
- Negotiate with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements that resolve cases favorably for the client.
- Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.
- Continuously seek professional development by attending various training sessions.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the District Public Defender.

Education and Experience Information:

- Demonstrated commitment to serving communities pushed to the margins.
- Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Clear dedication to addressing systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
- Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
- Criminal jury trial experience is required, with felony jury trial experience preferred (cases involving complex issues and/or where clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence).
- Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or the Bar of another state is required. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with the organization.

Salary Information:

- Assistant Public Defender II: Starting at $96, (Grade 21: Step 08)
- Assistant Public Defender III: Starting at $106, (Grade 22: Step 10)

Additional Information:

- The **Members Only** (MOPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in the Eastern region, which includes Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester, Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties.
- The attorney in this position will use their legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness and will work in a team-oriented environment with social workers, investigators, experts, and core staff.
- The MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and encourages individuals historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
- The positions require candidates to be available to start within one month after receiving an offer.
- Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.
- The 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, 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, complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment, work in various positions, and travel to various courtrooms, offices, and detention facilities throughout the state.
- The MOPD is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, services, programs, and activities.