Forensic Science Litigation Support Attorney
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Job Location:
Baltimore, MD - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Introduction
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender seeks a zealousclient-centered attorney to serve asa Forensic Science Litigation SupportAttorney. The Forensics Division of the Maryland Officeof the PublicDefender (MOPD) is a state-wide specialized division that providessupportservices and training to MOPD and panel attorneys in forensicsciences. We are committed tobuilding a culturally diverse staff andstrongly encourage people historically underrepresented inthe practice oflaw to apply.
Our vision is for Justice Fairness and Dignity for All. We arecommitted to our core values of aculture of excellence client-centeredrepresentation tenacious advocacy and remaining unitedas a team inachieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and experience tofightfor justice and fairness no matter what and we refuse to remainsilent in the midst of humansuffering. Our unique talents identitieseducational backgrounds and perspectives guide us inrepresenting ourclients. We stand up against prejudice systemic racism and inequity in allofthe spaces we occupy. MOPD seeks candidates that will join us inproviding compassionatecompetent zealous and client-centeredrepresentation to all of our clients. Learn more about ourmission andcommitment to diversity equity and inclusion.
GRADE
ASTD22; ASTD21; ASTD20
Main Purpose of Job
OVERVIEW OFTHE POSITION
The Forensic ScienceLitigation Support Attorney provides specialized support to attorneys relatedto the legal framework for the admissibility of expert opinions and scientifictesting including disclosure and discovery issues and procedural and substantiveissues related to the development of theories of defense. MOPD will considercandidates of all experience levels for this position. This position is locatedat 6 St. Paul Street Baltimore Maryland and is currently hybrid/remote.
PRIMARYDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Support and collaboratewith OPD and panel attorneys on all aspects of forensic evidence and experttestimony including review of case-related discovery identificationconsultation with independent experts development of legal strategies anddefenses and related litigation.
Litigate complexchallenges to forensic science evidence.
Assist in developingand conducting training programs.
Consult with ourgovernmental relations team and legislators about forensic evidence policyissues.
Other Duties asassigned by the State Public Defender.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:
Some of the more commonareas of forensic science that the Litigation Support Group handles includeDNA digitalevidence (cell phone location data forensic extractions ofdigital media storage devices surveillance video/audio) medical (cause andmanner of death/child abuse) toxicology (human specimen/CDS testing) patternimpression (latent fingerprint firearm/tool mark handwriting) accidentreconstruction forensic interviews of children and crime scenereconstruction.
Strong criticalthinking skills and an ability to solve problems creatively.
Significant criminaldefense litigation experience including utilizing forensic scienceexperts(preferred).
Strong legalresearch and writing skills.
Cleardedication to upending systemic racism prejudice and unfairness in thecriminal justice system.
Strong communicationand interpersonal skills including the ability: (1) to simplify andexplaincomplex forensic ideas and (2) to communicate effectively with a range ofaudiences including people with different backgrounds and lived experiences.
Collaborative workstyle with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced diverse team-orientedenvironment.
Exceptionalorganizational legal and administrative skills necessary to managemultipleprojects simultaneously.
Demonstratedcommitment to serving communities who have been pushed to themargins.
Compassion.
All offers will becontingent on membership in Good Standing with the bar in advance ofthescheduled start date. Non-Maryland attorneys must become a member of theMaryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.
BENEFITS
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- starting at $87620.00 (Grade 20: Step 06)
Assistant Public Defender II- starting at $97190.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)
Assistant Public Defender III- $107687.00 (Grade 22: Step 10)
Please visit the State of Maryland Employees page to review benefitinformation.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO APPLY
If you wish to be considered please click here to fill out the application andsubmit the followingitems in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab onthe Maryland State Government JobOpenings Page: (1) a current CV/resume(2) a cover letter addressing the above qualifications(3) list of fourprofessional references and (4) a writing sample.
Incomplete applications willnot be considered.
Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in theprivatepractice 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) is anaffirmativeaction 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 orgeneticinformation.
All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors andpossess the abilityto complete tasks in a fast-paced workenvironment. Applicants must be able to work invarious positionsand travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughoutthestate. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity andreasonableaccommodation for individuals with disabilities in employmentits services programs andactivities by modifying or adjusting the jobapplication process or the job or workenvironment to make reasonableaccommodations to the known applicant or employee toenable the applicantor employee be considered for the position they desire; to performtheessential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equalbenefits and privileges ofemployment as are enjoyed by other similarlysituated employees without disabilitiesunless the accommodation imposesan undue hardship.
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
Required Experience:
IC
