Assistant Public Defender Appellate Division

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks a dynamicdedicated and client-centered advocate to serve as an attorney in itsAppellate Division. OPD is committed to buildinga culturally diversestaff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented inthepractice of law to apply.

The Appellate Division provides superior representation for indigentcriminal defendantsjuvenile respondents in delinquency cases andparents in child access cases during the appellateprocess before theAppellate Court of Maryland the Supreme Court of Maryland and theUnitedStates Supreme Court. The Appellate Division is also in a uniqueposition to influence thedevelopment of the law in Maryland and toadvocate for systemic reforms.

ASTD22; ASTD21; ASTD20

OVERVIEW OFTHE POSITION:

Assistant PublicDefenders combine their demonstrated dedication to the representation ofindigent clients with strong research writing and advocacy skills to provideexceptional representation. Appellate attorneys are expected to workindependently in managing active caseloads while simultaneously working in ateam-oriented environment focused on a client-centered approach torepresentation. These positions allow for flexible work-from-home options. Theposition will be located in Baltimore City and will involve travel to theappellate courts in Annapolis as well as correctional facilities locatedthroughout Maryland.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide superiorrepresentation to clients throughout the appellate process includingidentifying appellate issues conducting thorough legal research writingpersuasive briefs and certiorari petitions and presenting oral arguments.

Actively andeffectively communicate with clients their families trial attorneys courtstaff and opposing counsel.

Ensure clients areconsistently heard and respected.

Work collaborativelywith other OPD employees to advance our clients interests.

Continuously seekprofessional development through training continuing legal education andadvocacy courses.

Competently andresourcefully prepare for and manage an active caseload.

Other duties asassigned by the State Public Defender.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Strong interpersonal skillsand ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgroundsand experiences.

Demonstrated commitment toserving communities who have been pushed to themargins.

Dedication to upendingsystemic racism prejudice and unfairness in the criminal justicesystem.

Compassion for the clientsand communities served by OPDto communicate effectively with people fromdifferent backgrounds and experiences.

Strong issue-spottingresearch oral advocacy and writing skills.

Ability to work independentlyas well as collaboratively.

Exceptional organizationallegal and administrative skills necessary to handle a highcaseload.

Active membership in goodstanding in the Maryland Bar or another states Bar.

Attorneys barred in anotherstate must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18months of thestart date. Preference in the selection process will be given to candidateswhoare already a member of the Maryland Bar.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary is dependent on experience and salary ruleswill apply to State of Maryland employees:This would be a lateraltransfer for MOPD attorneys.

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

Assistant Public Defender I- starting at $87620.00 (Grade 20 Step 6)

Assistant Public Defender II- starting at $97190.00 (Grade 21 Step 8)

Assistant Public Defender III- starting at $107687.00 (Grade 22 Step10)

HOW TO APPLY:

If you wish to be considered please click here to fill out theapplication and submit the following

items in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government JobOpenings Page Resume Tab: (1) a current resume (2) a cover letter (3) a listof four professional references and (4) a writing sample.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage inthe private practice of law while in this position. MD Code Criminal ProcedureArt. 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 thefull inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race colorreligion sex physical or mental disability age sexual orientation genderidentity national origin veteran status or genetic information.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors andpossess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work must be able to work in various positions and travel to variouscourtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is furthercommitted to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation forindividuals with disabilities in employment its services programs and activitiesby modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environmentto make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enablethe applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; toperform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equalbenefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarlysituated employees without disabilities unless the accommodation imposes anundue hardship.

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate publictransportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed please contact TawandaJackson Human Resources Supervisor at or