Experienced Attorney Frederick & Washington Counties

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced andzealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in District XI whichserves Frederick and Washington Counties. Assistant Public Defenders combinetheir demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skillsto provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. MOPD iscommitted to building a culturally

diverse staff and strongly encourages people historicallyunderrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

District XI is a busy rural public defender office with a combined totalof approximately 30 employees serving Frederick and Washington Countiesproviding client-centered representation to juveniles and adults charged withmisdemeanors and felonies. OPD strives to achieve Justice Fairness andDignity 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. The attorney in this position willcombine their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous

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 occupy. MOPDseeks 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.

ASTD21; ASTD22

FREDERICK & WASHINGTONCOUNTIES

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including bailhearings motions hearings and trial and post-trial hearings.

Ensures clients are consistently heard and respected.

Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in lawslegislation procedural rules court decisions and case precedents inpreparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problems and proposeresolutions.

Drafts and prepares reports memoranda in opposition briefs motionsand correspondence for clients.

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

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

Negotiates with prosecutors judges and other stakeholders toestablish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.

Competently independently and resourcefully manage a full caseload.

Continuously seek professional development by attending varioustraining sessions.

Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

Demonstrated commitmentto serving communities who have been pushed to themargins.

Excellent research writing and oral advocacy skills.

Clear dedication toupending systemic racism prejudice and unfairness in thecriminal legal system.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectivelywith peoplefrom different backgrounds and lived experiences.

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

Exceptional organizational legal and administrative skills necessaryto handle ahigh caseload.

Criminal jury trial experience required. Felony (cases involvingcomplex issuesand/or where clients are facing the possibility of alife sentence) jury trial experience is preferred.

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

Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Barwithin18 months of their start date with MOPD.

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 II- starting at $98840.00 (Grade21: Step 08)

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

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 onePDF attachment through the Resume Tab of the Maryland State Government JobOpenings: (1) a current resume (2) a cover letter (3) a list of fourprofessional 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 reasonable accommodation forindividuals with disabilities in employment its services programs andactivities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job orwork environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employeeto enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire;to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equalbenefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situatedemployees without disabilities unless the accommodation 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 public a reasonable accommodation is needed please contact Tawanda Jackson HumanResources Supervisor at or