Entry Level Attny District I Balto City & District VIII Balto Co

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks dedicated andclient-centered litigators toserve as Assistant Public Defenders in DistrictCourt locations in Baltimore City and Baltimore County Maryland. AssistantPublicDefenders combine their demonstrated commitment with their strongand zealous litigation skillsto provide exceptional representation onbehalf of their clients. MOPD is committed to buildinga culturallydiverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented inthepractice of law to apply.

The Baltimore City office is a large urban Public Defender office with200 employees providing client-centered representation. The Baltimore County office is an urbanpublic defenders office with approximately 70 employees providingclient-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanors andfelonies in Baltimore County. MOPDsvision is for Justice Fairness and Dignity for All and we arecommittedto our core values of a culture of excellence client-centered representationandtenacious advocacy and remain united as a team in achieving ourmission. At MOPD we use ourlegal education and experience to fight forjustice and fairness no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in themidst of human suffering. Our unique talents identitieseducationalbackgrounds and perspectives guide us in representing ourclients. We stand up againstprejudice systemic racism and inequity inall of the spaces we occupy. MOPD seeks candidateswho will join us inproviding compassionate competent zealous andclient-centeredrepresentation to all of our clients. Learn more about ourmission and commitment to diversity equity and inclusion.

ASTD20

Baltimore City and Towson MD

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

This position requires a willingness to learn train and practiceexceptional trial skills innovativethinking investigative skills andthe ability to work as a team in managing an active districtcourtcaseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers investigators andcore staffin a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able tobalance a client-centered approach torepresentation with advocacy toaddress systemic inequity and the collateral consequences thatlead todeeper system involvement. Positions are available in both Baltimore City and BaltimoreCountydistrict courts. BothBaltimore City and Baltimore County have multiple district courts and multipleOPD offices. Attorneys will be assigned to one district but may be required torotate throughout the courthouses within the district.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of thecriminal process.

Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.

Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in lawslegislation procedural rulescourt decisions and case precedents inpreparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legalproblems andpropose resolutions.

Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients team memberscolleagues andservice providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.

Counsels and advises clients on changes in law court decisions andlegal issues.

Negotiates with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreementsto resolve casesfavorably for the client.

Resourcefully manage a full caseload.

Continuously seek professional and personal development throughtrainings CLEs and trialskills courses.

Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed tothe margins.

Clear dedication to upending systemic racism prejudice and unfairnessin the criminaljustice system.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectivelywith people fromdifferent backgrounds and lived experiences.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced diverse team-oriented environment.

Exceptional organizational legal and administrative skills necessaryto handle a highcaseload.

Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar ofanother state.

A strong preference for demonstrable experience with indigentdefense.

Judicial law clerks and candidates with demonstratedexperience with criminal litigation or trial advocacy strongly preferred.

Coursework in evidence and criminal procedure preferred forcandidates with less than 2 years experience.

Attorneysbarred in another state must become members of theMaryland Bar within 18 months of theirstart date with MOPD.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State ofMaryland employees.

This would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.

Assistant Public Defender I-$87620.00 (Starting at Grade 20: Step 06)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employees page to review benefitinformation.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you wish to be considered please click here to fill out theapplication and upload the followingdocuments in one PDF attachmentthrough the Maryland State Government Job OpeningsResume Page: (1) acurrent resume (2) a cover letter (3) a list of four professionalreferencesand (4) a writing sample no longer than fifteen (15) pages.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage inthe privatepractice of law while in this position. MD Code CriminalProcedure Art. Section 16-203(d)(2).

As a State agency the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) isan affirmativeaction and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed tothe full inclusion of allqualified individuals without regard to racecolor religion sex physical or mentaldisability age sexualorientation gender identity national origin veteran status or geneticinformation.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors andpossess the abilityto complete tasks in a fast-paced work must be able to work invarious positions and travel to variouscourtrooms office environments and detentionfacilities throughout thestate. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunityandreasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment itsservicesprograms and activities by modifying or adjusting the job applicationprocess or the job orwork environment to make reasonable accommodationsto the known applicant oremployee to enable the applicant or employee beconsidered for the position they desire; toperform the essentialfunctions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefitsandprivileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situatedemployees withoutdisabilities unless the accommodation imposes an unduehardship.

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigatepublic transportation. If areasonable accommodation is needed pleasecontact Tawanda Jackson Human ResourcesSupervisor at