Assistant Public Defender Dorchester Co.
Assistant Public Defender Dorchester Co.
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Job Description
Introduction
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has openings for entrylevel and experienced zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defendersin our Eastern areaDorchester County office. The attorney in thisposition will combine their demonstratedcommitment with their strong andzealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representationon behalfof their clients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff andstronglyencourage people historically underrepresented in the practice oflaw to apply.
At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justiceand fairness no matterwhat and we refuse to remain silent in the midstof human suffering. Our unique talents identities educational backgroundsand perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up againstprejudice systemic racism and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. MOPDseeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate competentzealous and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn moreabout our mission and commitment to diversity equity and inclusion.
GRADE
APD I - ASTD 20; APD II - ASTD 21; APD III - ASTD22
LOCATION OF POSITION
310 Gay St.
Cambridge MD
Main Purpose of Job
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
The positions require a range of experience from limited/moderate amountof criminal trialexperience to exceptional trial skills innovativethinking investigative skills and the ability to work independently inmanaging an active case load of district felony and other specialty cases suchas juvenile civil non-support and violation of probation. Attorneys work inconjunction with social workers investigators experts and core staff in ateam-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centeredapproach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and thecollateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. Attorneysshould be available to start within one month after receiving an offer.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case includingbail hearings motions hearings trial and post-trial hearings.
Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in lawslegislation procedural rules court decisions and case precedents inpreparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problems and proposeresolutions.
Drafts and prepares reports memoranda in opposition briefsmotions and correspondence for clients.
Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients teammembers colleagues and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes forclients.
Counsel and advises clients on changes in law court decisionsand legal issues.
Negotiates with prosecutors judges and other stakeholders toestablish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.
Competently independently and resourcefully manage a fullcaseload.
Continuously seek professional development by attending varioustraining sessions.
Other duties assigned by the District Public Defender.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
CORECOMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrated commitment toserving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
Excellent research writingand oral advocacy skills.
Clear dedication to upendingsystemic racism prejudice and unfairness in the criminal legal system.
Strong interpersonal skillsand the ability to communicate effectively with people from differentbackgrounds and lived experiences.
Ability to thrive in afast-paced diverse team-oriented environment.
Exceptional organizationallegal and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
Criminal jury trialexperience required. Felony (cases involving complex issues and/or whereclients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) jury trial experience ispreferred.
Active membership in goodstanding in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state.
BENEFITS
Salary and Benefits
Salary is dependent onexperience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees.
This would be a lateraltransfer for any internal candidates applying.
Assistant Public DefenderI starting at $87620.00 (Grade 20: Step 06)
Assistant Public DefenderII- starting at $97190.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)
Assistant Public DefenderIII- starting at $107687.00 (Grade 22: Step 10)
Please visit the State ofMaryland Employees page to review benefit information.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
How to Apply
If you wish to beconsidered please click here to fill out the application and upload thefollowing documents in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab of theMaryland State Government Job Openings: (1) a current resume (2) a coverletter (3) a list of four professional references and (4) a writing sample nolonger than fifteen (15) pages.
Incomplete applicationswill not be considered.
Assistant Public Defendersare full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law whilein this position. MD Code Criminal Procedure Art. Section 16-203(d)(2).
As a State agency theMaryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equalopportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualifiedindividuals without regard to race color religion sex physical or mentaldisability age sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteranstatus or genetic information.
All applicants must beable to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to
complete tasks in afast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various
positions and travel tovarious courtrooms office environments and detention facilities throughoutthe state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity andreasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment itsservices programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the jobapplication process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodationsto the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be consideredfor the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of theposition in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employmentas are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilitiesunless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship.
Applicants must be able tooperate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have
access to a motor vehicleor be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation isneeded please contact Tawanda Jackson Human Resources Supervisor at or
Employment Type
Full-Time
