Introduction
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has multiple openings for experienced andzealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in our Eastern area offices. The Easternregion includes our Dorchester Somerset Wicomico Worcester Caroline Cecil Kent QueenAnnes and Talbot Counties. The attorney in this position will combine their demonstratedcommitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representationon behalf of their clients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and stronglyencourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness no matterwhat and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talentsidentities educational backgrounds and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. Westand up against prejudice systemic racism and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. MOPDseeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate competent zealous and clientcentered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our mission and commitment todiversity equity and inclusion.
GRADE
ASTD22(III) & ASTD21 (II)
Main Purpose of Job
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:
The positions require exceptional trial skills innovative thinking investigative skills and theability to work independently in managing an active case load of district felony and otherspecialty cases such as juvenile civil nonsupport and violation of probation. Attorneys work inconjunction with social workers investigators experts and core staff in a teamorientedenvironment. Attorneys must be able to balance a clientcentered approach to representation withadvocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper systeminvolvement. Office placements will be determined by the needs of MOPD at the time of offer.
Attorneys should be available to start within one month after receiving an offer.
POSITION DUTIES
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including bail hearings motionshearings and trial and posttrial hearings.
Ensures clients are consistently heard and respected.
Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws legislation proceduralrules court decisions and case precedents in preparation for trial and to determine/anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
Drafts and prepares reports memoranda in opposition briefs motions andcorrespondence for clients.
Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients team members colleaguesand service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
Counsels and advises clients on changes in law court decisions and legal issues.
Negotiates with prosecutors judges and other stakeholders to establish agreements toresolve cases favorably for the client.
Competently independently and resourcefully manage a full caseload.
Continuously seek professional development by attending various training sessions.
Other duties as assigned by the District Public Defender.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:
Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to themargins.
Excellent research writing and oral advocacy skills.
Clear dedication to upending systemic racism prejudice and unfairness in the criminallegal system.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people fromdifferent backgrounds and lived experiences.
Ability to thrive in a fastpaced diverse teamoriented environment.
Exceptional organizational legal and administrative skills necessary to handle a highcaseload.
Criminal jury trial experience required. Felony (cases involving complex issues and/orwhere clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) jury trial experience ispreferred.
Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state.
Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18months of their start date with MOPD.
BENEFITS
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to Stateof Maryland employees.
This would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.
Assistant Public Defender II starting at $96227.00 (Grade 21: Step 08
Assistant Public Defender III starting at $106620.00 (Grade 22: Step 10
Please visit the State of Maryland Employees page to review benefit information.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO APPLY:
If you wish to be considered please click here to fill out the application and upload the followingdocuments in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab of the Maryland State GovernmentJob Openings: 1 a current resume 2 a cover letter 3 a list of four professional referencesand 4 a writing sample no longer than fifteen 15 pages.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Assistant Public Defenders are fulltime employees and cannot engage in the privatepractice of law while in this position. MD Code Criminal Procedure Art. Section 16203(d)2.
As a State agency the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmativeaction and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of allqualified individuals without regard to race color religion sex physical or mentaldisability age sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteran status or geneticinformation.
All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the abilityto complete tasks in a fastpaced work environment. Applicants must be able to work invarious positions and travel to various courtrooms office environments and detentionfacilities throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunityand reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment its servicesprograms and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job orwork environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant oremployee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; toperform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits andprivileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees withoutdisabilities unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship.
Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicantsmust have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If areasonable accommodation is needed please contact Tawanda Jackson Human ResourcesSupervisor ator
Eastern Region Experience
