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Assistant Public Defender I

State Of Maryland

Job Location:

Washington County, VT - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 87253 - 137603

Posted: 16 August 2026 (26 days ago)

Application Deadline: 13 November 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeksexperienced and zealous litigators toserve as Assistant Public Defendersin District XI which serves Frederick and Washington Counties. AssistantPublicDefenders combine their demonstrated commitment with their strongand zealous litigation skillsto provide exceptional representation onbehalf of their clients. MOPD is committed to buildinga culturallydiverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented inthepractice of law to apply.

District XI is a busy rural publicdefender office with a combined total of approximately 30 employees servingFrederick and Washington Counties providing client-centered representation tojuveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies. OPD strives toachieve Justice Fairness and Dignity for All. Our employees arecommitted to the core values of a culture of excellence client-centeredrepresentation tenacious advocacy and are united as a team in achieving theOPDs mission.

MOPDs vision isfor Justice Fairness and Dignity for All and we arecommitted to ourcore values of a culture of excellence client-centered representationandtenacious advocacy and remain united as a team in achieving ourmission. At MOPD we use ourlegal education and experience to fight forjustice and fairness no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in themidst of human suffering. Our unique talents identitieseducationalbackgrounds and perspectives guide us in representing ourclients. We stand up againstprejudice systemic racism and inequity inall of the spaces we occupy. MOPD seeks candidateswho will join us inproviding compassionate competent zealous andclient-centeredrepresentation to all of our clients. Learn more about ourmission and commitment to diversity equity and inclusion.

GRADE

ASTD20

LOCATION OF POSITION

81 W Washington St Hagerstown MD 21740

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

This position requires a willingness to learn train and practice exceptional trial skills innovative thinking investigative skills and the ability to work as a team in managing an active district court caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers investigators and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. The positions home base will be in Washington County district court. Attorneys may be required to rotate between the district courts in Frederick and Washington County depending on operational need.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the criminal process.

Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.

Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws legislation procedural rules court decisions and case precedents in preparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.

Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients team members colleagues and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.

Counsels and advises clients on changes in law court decisions and legal issues.

Negotiates with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.

Resourcefully manage a full caseload.

Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings CLEs and trial skills courses.

Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who havebeen pushed to the margins.

Clear dedication to upending systemic racism prejudiceand unfairness in the criminal justice system.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability tocommunicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and livedexperiences.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced diverseteam-oriented environment.

Exceptional organizational legal and administrativeskills necessary to handle a high caseload.

Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Baror Bar of another state.

Attorneys barred in another state must become membersof the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with MOPD.

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules willapply to State of Maryland employees.

This would be a lateral transfer for any internalcandidates applying.

Assistant Public Defender I-$88999.00 (Starting at Grade20: Step 06)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employees page toreview benefit information.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO APPLY:

If you wish to be consideredplease click here to fill out the application and upload thefollowingdocuments in one PDF attachment through the Maryland StateGovernment Job OpeningsResume Page: (1) a current resume (2) a coverletter (3) a list of four professional referencesand (4) a writingsample no longer than fifteen (15) pages.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees andcannot engage in the privatepractice of law while in this position. MDCode Criminal Procedure Art. Section 16-203(d)(2).

As a State agency the Maryland Office of the PublicDefender (MOPD) is an affirmativeaction and equal opportunity is committed to the full inclusion of allqualified individualswithout regard to race color religion sex physical ormentaldisability age sexual orientation gender identity nationalorigin veteran status or genetic information.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clientsand visitors and possess the abilityto complete tasks in a fast-pacedwork environment. Applicants must be able to work invarious positions andtravel to various courtrooms office environments anddetentionfacilities throughout the state. MOPD is further committed toproviding equal opportunityand reasonable accommodation for individualswith disabilities in employment its servicesprograms and activities bymodifying or adjusting the job application process or the job orworkenvironment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicantoremployee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for theposition they desire; toperform the essential functions of the positionin question; or to enjoy equal benefits andprivileges of employment asare enjoyed by other similarly situated employees withoutdisabilitiesunless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship.

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and otheroffice equipment. Applicantsmust have access to a motor vehicle or beable to navigate public transportation. If areasonable accommodation isneeded please contact Tawanda Jackson Human ResourcesSupervisor at or

Required Experience:

Junior IC

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