Apd Forensic Mental Health Division (Re-Post)

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experiencedzealous client-centered attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender inthe Forensic Mental Health Division (FMHD). OPD is committed to building aculturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historicallyunderrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

MOPD has offices in every Jurisdiction in the state where we representindigent people charged with crimes in addition we have statewide divisionsincluding: Appellate Division (representing clients in appellate courts)Mental Health Division (representing people who have been involuntarilyhospitalized) Post-Conviction Division (representing clients ineffectiveassistance of counsel proceedings) and Parental Defense Division (representingparents in proceeds to remove children from parental custody or terminateparental rights). OPDs vision is for Justice Fairness and Dignity for employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellenceclient-centered representation tenacious advocacy and are united as a team inachieving the MOPDs mission. Learn more about our mission and commitment todiversity equity and inclusion. MOPD seeks candidates who will join us inproviding compassionate competent zealous and client-centered representationto all of our clients. Learn more about our mission and commitment todiversity equity and inclusion.

The Forensic Mental Division is a statewide division whose mission is toprovide OPD staff and panel attorneys with access to the highest caliber expertconsultative services resources training and on-call litigation supportnecessary for superior representation of clients with complex mental healthissues.

ASTD22; ASTD21

Baltimore MD

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

An Assistant Public Defender serving as a Forensic Mental Health Attorney worksdirectly with OPD and panel attorneys throughout the state and in all divisionsto provide specialized litigation support for the representation of clientswith complex behavioral health issues primarily on issues where a behavioralhealth condition intersects with legal issues such as: competency to standtrial criminal responsibility dangerousness assessments and parentingcapacity. The FMHD attorney assists in clarifying relevant case strategiesdeveloping contextual legal frameworks and identifying appropriate behavioralhealth experts to assist in the process. The FMHD attorney role includesadvising and providing training to attorneys direct litigation in seriousFelony and Termination of Parental Rights cases developing institutionalmodels for practice and participating in relevant policy development. Theposition will be located at 6 St. Paul Street Baltimore Maryland and iscurrently hybrid-remote consistent with State ofMaryland policies.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaborate with all litigation team members to promote comprehensiveclient-centered representation from the filing of charges through disposition.

Support OPD and panel attorneys related to all aspects of mental healthevidence and expert testimony including reviewing mental health records andcase discovery identifying trial strategies and defenses identifying expertconsultation needs and assisting with preparation for related litigation.

Identify vet and retain behavioral health experts necessary toevaluate OPD clients to provide individualized representation.

Directly participate in litigation in serious cases as needed.

Identify relevant training needs on individual district and statewidebases.

Develop and conduct informal or formal training at thedistrict/division level and for the public outside agencies or otherinterested entities as requested.

In collaboration with the Training Division develop and conduct formaltraining programs to enhance the representation of clients with complex healthneeds.

Continuously seek professional and personal development throughtrainings CLEs and trial skills courses.

Collaborate with OPDs government relations team to identify andaddress injustice within the policies and systems impacting our clients withbehavioral health challenges.

Accepts other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrated commitment to zealous client-centered representation of clients.

Strong courtroom advocacy skills.

At least 5 years criminal parental defense or mental health litigation experience. Experience as a medical or mental health professional may be substituted.

Experience litigating jury trials Child in Need of Assistance or Termination of Parental Rights Hearings or hearings related to involuntary hospitalization preferred.

Experience working with people with mental health disorders or intellectual disabilities outside of legal settings preferred.

Experience utilizing forensic mental health experts preferred.

Specialized training education or experience in the areas of psychology or psychiatry civil commitment litigation or other behavioral health-related occupations preferred.

Ability to communicate effectively with OPD clients attorneys consulting experts and others to ensure coordination of efforts to achieve effective mental health litigation support.

Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or the Bar of another State.

Individuals who are members of the Bar of another State must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with OPD.

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 on theResume Tab in the JobAps Application:: (1) current resume (2) cover letteraddressing the above qualifications (3) list of four references and (4) a writingsample.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at thepleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art. Section 16-203(d).Assistant Public Defenders cannot engage in the private practice of law whilein this position.

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

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