Parental Defender Baltimore City
Parental Defender Baltimore City
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Job Description
Introduction
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a zealous anddedicated advocate toserve as an Assistant Public Defender in ourParental Defense Division (PDD). The ParentalDefense Division protectsand advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians in Child inNeedof Assistance/Termination of Parental Rights (CINA/TPR) proceedings. MOPDiscommitted to building a culturally diverse staff and stronglyencourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law toapply.
MOPDs vision is for Justice Fairness and Dignity for All and we arecommitted to our corevalues of a culture of excellence clientcenteredrepresentation tenacious advocacy and beingunited as a team inachieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education andexperienceto fight for justice and fairness and we refuse to remainsilent in the midst of human suffering.Our unique talents identitieseducational backgrounds and perspectives guide us in representingourclients. We stand up against prejudice systemic racism and inequity. MOPDseeks candidateswho will join us in providing compassionate competentzealous and clientcentered representation to all of our clients. Learn moreabout our mission and commitment to diversityequity and inclusion.
GRADE
ASTD 20 ASTD 21 ASTD 22
LOCATION OF POSITION
Baltimore MD
POSITION DUTIES
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
Parental Defenders represent parents and/or legal guardians whosechildren have been removed or are at risk of being removed from their care andcustody by the State. The attorney in this position will represent clients inadversarial proceedings from the initial Emergency Shelter Care Hearing to theTermination of Parental Rights (TPR) trial. Our attorneys are critical thinkerswith a demonstrated ability to apply legal analysis in an area of the law thatmay be unsettled. Attorneys must be willing to challenge the system with ahealthy sense of outrage and be persistent in the face of ambiguity or outrightresistance to their position. Parental Defenders must be able to handle caserelatedemergencies and various personalities in a fastpaced highpressureenvironment and follow office procedures and processes. This position is forour Baltimore City office.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Protect clients Constitutional rights to raise and rear theirchildren.
Defend clients against allegations of neglect and/or abuse.
Utilize excellent litigation and oral advocacy skills.
Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at everystage of the proceeding.
Engage in motion practice legal research and writing.
Obtain organize and review records and documents necessary forpreparing a defense.
Develop and maintain client relationships over the extended life of thecase.
Collaborate with PDD social workers criminal defense attorneys parentadvocates and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.
Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected. Be nonjudgmentaland empathetic towards clients experiencing socioeconomic challenges and/orbarriers.
Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients colleaguesand service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
Continuously seek professional and personal development throughtraining continuing legal education and trial skills courses.
Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrated commitment to service marginalizedcommunities.
Dedication to upending systemic racism prejudice andunfairness.
Compassion and empathy.
Excellent research writing and oral advocacy skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicateeffectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
Ability to thrive in a fastpaced diverse teamorientedenvironment.
Ability to use technology to telework and participate invirtual court hearings as necessary.
Strong organizational legal and administrative skillsnecessary to handle a high caseload with short deadlines.
Prior experience in litigation including CINA/TPRCriminal Civil Juvenile or Family Law (experience may include internshipslaw school clinical programs or any other relevant experience).
Strong communication and client advocacy skills.
Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar orBar of another state is required.
Attorneys barred in another state must become a member ofthe Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.
BENEFITS
SALARY
Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Marylandsalary rules will apply to any offer made. This would be a lateral transfer forMOPD attorneys.
Assistant Public Defender I: $86752.00$127473.00(Grade 20: Step 6Step 26
Assistant Public Defender II: $96227.00$136003.00 (Grade21: Step 8Step 26
Assistant Public Defender III: $106620.00$145151.00(Grade 22: Step 10Step 26
BENEFITS
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender offers agenerous benefits package that includes excellent medical dental and visioninsurance. Benefits also include retirement savings life insurance and theoption to participate in supplemental retirement options. MOPD Employeesreceive 6 days of personal leave 15 days of sick leave and at least 10 daysof annual leave each calendar year in addition to paid holidays and parentalleave.
For more details and a full list of benefits as an employeewith the Maryland Office of the Public Defender click here.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered you must complete the online applicationAND submit the required documents.When you get to the tab labeled resume you should INCLUDEALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTSin the resume upload. The required documents for thisposition are listed below.
1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter addressing your qualifications for theposition.
3. A list of four professional references please includeyour relationship to the reference.
4. A law school transcript (if graduated within the lastthree years).
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Individuals selected for an interview will receive aninvitation for a Spark Hire interviewinvitation.
Assistant Public Defenders are fulltime employees andcannot engage in the private practiceof law while in this position. MD Code Criminal ProcedureArt. Section 16203(d)2.As a State agency the Maryland Office of the PublicDefender (MOPD) is an affirmativeaction and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed tothe full inclusion of allqualified individuals without regard to race colorreligion sex physical or mental disabilityage sexual orientation gender identity national originveteran status or geneticinformation.
All applicants must be able to communicate with clients andvisitors and possess the abilityto complete tasks in a fastpaced work environment.Applicants must be able to work invarious positions and travel to various courtrooms officeenvironments and detentionfacilities throughout the state. MOPD is further committedto providing equal opportunityand reasonable accommodation for individuals withdisabilities in employment its servicesprograms and activities by modifying or adjusting the jobapplication process or the job orwork environment to make reasonable accommodations to theknown applicant or employeeto enable the applicant or employee be considered for theposition they desire; to performthe essential functions of the position in question; or toenjoy equal benefits and privileges ofemployment as are enjoyed by other similarly situatedemployees without disabilities unlessthe accommodation imposes an undue hardship.
Applicants must be able to operate a computer and otheroffice equipment. Applicants musthave access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigatepublic transportation. If a reasonableaccommodation is needed please contact Tawanda JacksonHuman Resources Supervisorator
Employment Type
Full-Time
