Introduction
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has multiple openings for experienced and zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in our District VIII Baltimore County office. The Baltimore County office is an urban public defender's office with approximately 70 employees providing client-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Baltimore County. The attorney in this position will combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients.
GRADE
ASTD22; ASTD21
LOCATION OF POSITION
Towson, MD
Main Purpose of Job
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:
The positions require exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active felony caseload. 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-entered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. Positions are available in Towson, Maryland. Attorneys should be available to start within one month after receiving an offer.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including bail hearings, motions hearings, and trial, and post-trial hearings.
• Ensures 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.
• Drafts and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions, and correspondence for clients.
• 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, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolve cases
favorably for the client.
• Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.
• Continuously seek professional development by attending various training sessions.
• Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:
• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system.
• 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.
• Criminal jury trial experience required. Felony (cases involving complex issues and/or where clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) jury trial experience is preferred.
• 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.
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 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.
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).
All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various courtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state.
Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.
