Entry Level Attorney District X Howard & Carroll Counties

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced andzealous litigators to serve as

Assistant Public Defenders in District X which serves Howard and CarrollCounties. Assistant Public Defenders combine their demonstrated commitment withtheir strong and zealous litigation skills toprovide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. MOPD iscommitted to building a culturallydiverse staff and strongly encourages people historicallyunderrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

District X is a busy rural public defender office with a combined totalof approximately 30 employeesserving Howard and Carroll Counties providing client-centeredrepresentation to juveniles and adultscharged with misdemeanors and felonies. OPD strives to achieve JusticeFairness and Dignity for All.Our employees are committed to the core values of a culture ofexcellence client-centered representation tenacious advocacy and are unitedas a team in achieving the OPDs mission.

MOPDs vision is for Justice Fairness and Dignity for All and we arecommitted to our core values of aculture of excellence client-centered representation and tenaciousadvocacy and remain united as ateam in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education andexperience to fight for justiceand fairness no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midstof human suffering. Our uniquetalents identities educational backgrounds and perspectives guide usin representing our clients. Westand up against prejudice systemic racism and inequity in all of thespaces we occupy. MOPD seekscandidates 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.

ASTD20

Howard & Carroll County

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

This position requires a willingness to learn train and practiceexceptional trial skills innovative thinking

investigative skills and the ability to work as a team in managing anactive district court caseload.Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers investigators andcore staff in a team-orientedenvironment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approachto representation withadvocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequencesthat lead to deeper systeminvolvement.

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 courtdecisions and case precedents in preparation for trial and to determine/anticipate legal problems andpropose resolutions.

Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients team memberscolleagues and serviceproviders 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 forthe client.

Resourcefully manage a full caseload.

Continuously seek professional and personal development throughtrainings CLEs and trial skillscourses.

Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

CORE COMPETENCIES ANDREQUIREMENTS:

Demonstrated commitment toserving communities who have been pushed to the margins.

Clear dedication to upendingsystemic racism prejudice and unfairness in the criminal justice system.

Strong interpersonal skillsand the ability to communicate effectively with people from differentbackgrounds and livedexperiences.

Ability to thrive in afast-paced diverse team-oriented environment.

Exceptional organizationallegal and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.

Active membership in goodstanding in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state.

Attorneys barred in anotherstate must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months oftheir 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-$88999.00 (Starting at Grade 20: Step 06)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employees page to reviewbenefit information.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you wish to be considered please clickhere to fill out the application and upload the

following documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland StateGovernment Job

Openings Resume Page: (1) a current resume (2) a cover letter (3) alist 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 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 sex physical or mental disability age sexualorientation gender identity nationalorigin 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 environment. Applicants must be able to workin various positions and travel tovarious courtrooms office environments and detention facilitiesthroughout the state. MOPD is furthercommitted to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation forindividuals with disabilitiesin employment its services programs and activities by modifying oradjusting the job application processor the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to theknown applicant or employeeto enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position theydesire; to perform the essentialfunctions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits andprivileges of employment as areenjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilitiesunless the accommodation imposes anundue hardship.

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office must have accessto a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If areasonable accommodation is neededplease contact Tawanda Jackson Human Resources Supervisor at or