The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced andzealous litigators to serve asAssistant Public Defenders in FrederickCounty Maryland. Assistant Public Defenders combine theirdemonstratedcommitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provideexceptionalrepresentation on behalf of their clients. MOPD is committedto building a culturally diverse staff andstrongly encourages peoplehistorically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
The Frederick County office is a suburban Public Defender office withapproximately 25 employeesproviding client-centered representation toindividuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies inFrederick vision is for Justice Fairness and Dignity for All and we arecommitted to ourcore values of a culture of excellence client-centeredrepresentation and tenacious advocacy andremain united as a team inachieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education andexperienceto fight for justice and fairness no matter what and we refuseto remain silent in the midst of humansuffering. Our unique talentsidentities educational backgrounds and perspectives guide usinrepresenting our clients. We stand up against prejudice systemicracism and inequity in all of the spaceswe occupy. MOPD seeks candidateswho will join us in providing compassionate competent zealous andclient-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about ourmission and commitment to diversity equity and inclusion.
ASTD20
100 W. Patrick StreetFrederick MD 21701
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:
This position requires a willingness to learn train and practiceexceptional trial skills innovative thinking investigative skills and theability to work as a team in managing an active district court in conjunction with social workers investigators and core staff in ateam-orientedenvironment. Attorneys must be able to balance aclient-centered approach to representation withadvocacy to addresssystemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper are available in Frederick County District Court. Attorneys may berequired tohandle cases in Washington County only as needed.
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 rules courtdecisions and case precedents inpreparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problemsandpropose resolutions.
Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients team memberscolleagues and serviceproviders 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 cases favorably forthe client.
Resourcefully manage a full caseload.
Continuously seek professional and personal development throughtrainings CLEs and trial skillscourses.
Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.
CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:
Demonstrated commitment to serving communities whohave been pushed to the margins.
Clear dedication to upending systemic racismprejudice and unfairness in the criminaljustice system.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability tocommunicate effectively with people fromdifferent
backgrounds and lived experiences.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced diverseteam-oriented environment.
Exceptional organizational legal andadministrative skills necessary to handle a highcaseload.
Active membership in good standing in the MarylandBar or Bar of another state.
Attorneysbarred in another state must becomemembers of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of theirstart date withMOPD.
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 the application and upload thefollowing documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government JobOpenings Resume Page: (1) a current resume (2) a cover letter (3) a list of four professionalreferences and (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 in the private practice of law while
in this position. MD Code Criminal Procedure Art. Section 16- 203(d)(2).
As a State agency the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) isan affirmative action and equal
opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of allqualified individuals without regard torace color religion sexphysical or mental disability age sexual orientation gender identitynationalorigin veteran status or genetic information.
All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors andpossess the ability to completetasks in a fast-paced work must be able to work in various positions and travel tovariouscourtrooms office environments and detention facilities throughout the is furthercommitted to providing equal opportunity and reasonableaccommodation for individuals with disabilitiesin employment itsservices programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job applicationprocessor the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodationsto the known applicant or employeeto enable the applicant or employee beconsidered for the position they desire; to perform theessentialfunctions of the position in question; or to enjoy equalbenefits and privileges of employment as areenjoyed by other similarlysituated employees without disabilities unless the accommodation imposesanundue hardship.
Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office must have accessto a motor vehicle or be able to navigatepublic transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is neededpleasecontact Tawanda Jackson Human Resources Supervisor at
Required Experience:
Junior IC