Entry Level Attorney District I Baltimore City
Baltimore, MD - USA
Job Summary
Introduction
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced andzealous litigators to serve asAssistant Public Defenders in BaltimoreCity Maryland. Assistant Public Defenders combine theirdemonstratedcommitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptionalrepresentationon behalf of their clients. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diversestaff andstrongly encourages people historically underrepresented in thepractice of law to apply.
The Baltimore City office is a large urban Public Defender office with200 employees providing client-centered representation. MOPDs vision is forJustice Fairness and Dignity for All and we are committedto our corevalues of a culture of excellence client-centered representation andtenacious advocacy andremain united as a team in achieving our MOPD we use our legal education and experienceto fight for justice andfairness no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst ofhumansuffering. Our unique talents identities educational backgroundsand perspectives guide us inrepresenting our clients. We stand up againstprejudice systemic racism and inequity in all of the spaceswe seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate competentzealousand client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learnmore about our mission and commitment todiversity equity and inclusion.
GRADE
ASTD20
LOCATION OF POSITION
Baltimore MD
Main Purpose of Job
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:
This position requires awillingness to learn trainand practice exceptional trial skillsinnovative thinkinginvestigative skills and the ability to work as a team inmanaging an active district court caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction withsocial workers investigators and core staff in a team-oriented must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representationwith advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences thatlead to deeper system involvement. Positions are available in Baltimore Citydistrict courts. Attorneys may be required to rotate between the districtcourts depending on need.
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 court decisions and case precedents inpreparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problems andpropose resolutions.
Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients team memberscolleagues and service 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 cases favorably for the client.
Resourcefully manage a full caseload.
Continuously seek professional and personal development throughtrainings CLEs and trial skills courses.
Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
CORE COMPETENCIES ANDREQUIREMENTS:
Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have beenpushed to the margins.
Clear dedication to upending systemic racism prejudice andunfairness in the criminal justice system.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicateeffectively with people from differentbackgrounds and lived experiences.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced diverse team-orientedenvironment.
Exceptional organizational legal and administrative skillsnecessary to handle a high caseload.
Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar ofanother state.
Attorneys barred in another state must become members of theMaryland Bar within 18 months oftheir start date with MOPD.
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-$87620.00 (Starting at Grade 20: Step 06)
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 theapplication and upload thefollowing documents in one PDF attachmentthrough the Maryland State Government JobOpenings Resume Page: (1) acurrent resume (2) a cover letter (3) a list of fourprofessionalreferences 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 inthe 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