Apd Series Post Conviction Defenders Division

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has openings for entrylevel and experienced zealous and dedicated attorney to serve as AssistantPublic Defenders in the MOPDs Post Conviction Defenders Division. MOPD iscommitted to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages peoplehistorically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

The Post Conviction Defenders Division is dedicated to ensuring fairnessin criminal convictions and protecting the integrity of our criminal justicesystem. This division represents indigent inmates at post-convictionproceedings throughout the state of Maryland. MOPD strives to achieve JusticeFairness and Dignity for All. Our employees are committed to the core values ofa culture of excellence client-centered representation and tenaciousadvocacy and are united as a team in achieving the MOPDs mission. Learn moreabout our mission and commitment to diversity equity and inclusion.

ASTD22 ASTD21 ASTD20

Baltimore MD

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

The attorney in this position is responsible for ensuring zealousrepresentation of indigent defendants in collateral attacks on convictions. Thesuccessful candidate will combine their demonstrated dedication to therepresentation of indigent clients with their strong litigation skills toprovide exceptional representation in post conviction and other relatedproceedings. Post Conviction Defenders are expected to work independently inmanaging active caseloads while simultaneously working in a team-orientedenvironment focused on a client-centered approach to representation. Thisposition requires travel throughout the state of Maryland. However the officeis located in Baltimore Maryland.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Passionate and zealous representation of clients in post-convictionproceedings including but not limited to conducting extensive legal researchwriting persuasive legal briefs interviewing potential witnesses preparingfor hearings conducting effective direct and cross-examinations andnegotiating alternative resolutions.

Ability to manage an active hearing schedule and heavy caseloadcompetently and resourcefully.

Represent clients in hearings for motions for modification requestsfor drug treatment and other similar motions.

Effectively and compassionately communicate with incarcerated clientstheir families colleagues and service providers to ensure optimal outcomesfor clients.

Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.

Continuously seek professional and personal development throughtraining continuing legal education trial skills courses and keepingapprised of new and relevant case law.

Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed tothe margins.

Clear dedication toupending systemic racism prejudice and unfairness in the criminal justice system.

Compassion.

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

Excellent research written and oral advocacy.

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

Exceptionalorganizational legal and administrative skills necessary to manage an active heavy caseload.

Judicial law clerk experience and/or post-convictionexposure/litigation experience preferred.

Active membership in good standing with the State of Maryland Bar orBar of another state.

Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland barwithin 18 months of the start date.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State ofMaryland employees.

This would be a lateraltransfer for any internal candidates applying.

Assistant Public Defender I starting at $88999.00 (Grade 20: Step 06)

Assistant Public Defender II starting at $98840.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)

Assistant Public Defender III- starting at $109794.00 (Grade 22: Step10)

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

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 theResume Tab: (1) a current resume (2) a cover letter addressing the abovequalifications (3) a list of four professional references (4) a persuasive writingsample not a judicial opinion and (5) law school transcript (if within 3years of graduation).

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

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