GRADE

ASTD22, ATSD21; ASTD20

LOCATION OF POSITION

District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County - Rockville

191 E. Jefferson Street, Third Floor,

Rockville, MD 20850

District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County - Silver Spring

8552 Second Avenue, First Floor

Silver Spring, MD 20910

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

The positions require a range of experience from limited/moderate amount of criminal trial experience to exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active case load of district, felony and other specialty cases such as juvenile, civil non-support and violation of probation. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, experts, 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. Attorneys should be available to start within one month after receiving an offer. The position will be primarily located in the Rockville District Court office, however all employees may be required to work out of the Silver Spring office.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including at investigatory stages, bail hearings, motions hearings, trial, and post-trial hearings.
• Conducts complex legal research and analysis, including regarding changes in laws, pending legislation, procedural rules, and court decisions in preparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
• Drafts and prepares pleadings, memoranda, briefs, motions, and correspondence for clients.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
• Counsel and advises clients on factual and legal issues.
• Investigate clients' cases and diligently interface with investigators, social workers, forensic experts and other professionals.
• Negotiates with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolve cases

favorably for the client.
• Competently and independently manage a full caseload, including all trial preparation, discovery review and pretrial litigation.
• Continuously seek professional development by attending various training sessions and continuing legal education as required.
• Being available both during and outside of traditional business hours to support client and colleagues as part of a dynamic legal team.
• Other duties as assigned by the District Public Defender.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:
• Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities, and a clear dedication to challenging

systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with MOPD.
• All applicants will be considered for the Assistant Public Defender I level, unless they meet the following qualifications: two years of litigation experience having specifically sat first chair on a criminal jury trial or at least five years of litigation experience including regularly handling serious felony or life cases independently, having had multiple jury trials as first chair.

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

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

This would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.

Assistant Public Defender I - starting at $88,999.00 (Grade 20: Step 06)

Assistant Public Defender II- starting at $98,840.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)

Assistant Public Defender III- starting at $109,794.00 (Grade 22: Step 10)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employee's page to review benefit information.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO APPLY:

If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab of the Maryland State Government Job Openings: (1) a current resume, (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.

Second round interviews will be in-person. Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d)(2).