ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY PARENTAL DEFENSE DIVISION (Montgomery Co.)

ASTD20

Montgomery County

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

Assistant Public Defenders in the Parental Defense Divisionare critical thinkers with a demonstrated ability to apply legal analysis in anarea of the law that is still evolving. Attorneys must be willing to challengethe system with a healthy sense of outrage and be persistent in the face ofambiguity or outright resistance to their position. Assistant Public Defendersmust be able to handle crises and various personalities in a fast-pacedhigh-pressure environment. Our attorneys represent parents and/or legalguardians whose children have been removed or are at risk of being removed fromtheir care and custody by the State. The attorney in this position willrepresent clients in adversarial proceedings from the initial Emergency ShelterCare Hearing to the Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) trial.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Protect clients Constitutional rights to raise and rear theirchildren.

Defend clients against allegations of neglect and/or abuse.

Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at everystage of the proceeding.

Engage in motions practice legal research and writing.

Obtain organize and review voluminous records and documents inpreparing a defense.

Develop and maintain client relationships over the extended life of thecase.

Collaborate with PDD social workers criminal defense attorneys parentadvocates and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.

Provide client-centered representation ensuring clients are heard andrespected.

Be non-judgmental and empathetic of clients who present with challengesand/or barriers.

Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients colleaguesand service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.

Continuously seek professional and personal development throughtraining continuing legal education and trial skills 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 andunfairness.

Compassion and empathy.

Strong interpersonalskills and ability to communicate effectively with people from differentbackgrounds and experiences.

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

Ability to usetechnology in order to telework and participate in virtual court hearings asnecessary.

Strong organizationallegal and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseloadwith short deadlines.

Prior experience in litigation including CINA/TPR Criminal CivilJuvenile or Family Law

(experience may includeinternships law school clinical programs or any other relevantexperience).

Strong communication and client advocacy skills.

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

Attorneys barred in another state mustbecome a member of the Maryland Bar within 18months of their start date.

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 (Grade 20: Step 06)

HOW TO APPLY

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

documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government JobOpenings Resume Page: (1) a current resume (2) a cover letter (3) a list offour professional references and (4) a law school transcript (if graduatedwithin the last three years).

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 office environments and detention facilities throughout the is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonableaccommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment its services programsand activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the jobor work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant oremployee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the positionthey desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; orto enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by othersimilarly situated employees without disabilities unless the accommodationimposes an undue 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