Assistant Public Defender Series (Re-Post)

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has openings for entrylevel and experienced zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defendersin our Southern Maryland area Charles County office. The attorney in thisposition will combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong andzealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf oftheir clients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff andstrongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of lawto apply.

At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justiceand fairness no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst ofhuman suffering. Our unique talents identities educational backgrounds andperspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up againstprejudice systemic racism and inequity in all of the spaces we seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate competentzealous and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn moreabout our mission and commitment to diversity equity and inclusion.

ASTD22 ASTD 21 ASTD20

Charles County MD

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

The positions require a range of experience from limited/moderate amountof criminal trial experience to exceptional trial skills innovative thinkinginvestigative skills and the ability to work independently in managing anactive case load of district felony and other specialty cases such as juvenilecivil non-support and violation of probation. Attorneys work in conjunctionwith social workers investigators experts and core staff in a team-orientedenvironment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach torepresentation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateralconsequences that lead to deeper system involvement. Attorneys should beavailable to start within one month after receiving an offer.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Represent clients in allstages of their criminal case including bail hearings motions hearings trialandpost-trial hearings.

Ensure clients areconsistently heard and respected.

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

Drafts and preparesreports memoranda in opposition briefs motions and correspondence forclients.

Effectively andcompassionately communicate with clients team members colleagues and serviceproviders to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.

Counsel and advisesclients on changes in law court decisions and legal issues.

Negotiates withprosecutors judges and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.

Competentlyindependently and resourcefully manage a full caseload.

Continuously seekprofessional development by attending various training sessions.

Other duties as assignedby the District Public Defender.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have beenpushed to the margins.

Excellent research writing and oral advocacy skills.

Clear dedication to upending systemic racism prejudice andunfairness in the criminal legal system.

Stronginterpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with peoplefrom differentbackgrounds and livedexperiences.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced diverse team-orientedenvironment.

Exceptional organizational legal and administrative skillsnecessary to handle a high caseload.

Criminal jury trial experience required. Felony (cases involvingcomplex issues and/or where clientsare facing the possibility of a life sentence) jury trial experience ispreferred.

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

Attorneys barred inanother state must becomemembers of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with MOPD.

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 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 upload the following documents in one PDF attachment throughthe Resume Tab of the Maryland State Government Job Openings: (1) a currentresume (2) a cover letter (3) a list of four professional references 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 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 servicesprograms and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application processor the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the knownapplicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for theposition they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position inquestion; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as areenjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities unless theaccommodation imposes 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 or