PARALEGAL I
Contractual
Recruitment #19-000884-0001
Department | OPD District Operations |
---|---|
Date Opened | 3/21/2019 11:59:00 PM |
Filing Deadline | 7/26/2019 11:59:00 PM |
Salary | $14.90 to $15.98 per hour |
Employment Type |
Full-Time
|
HR Analyst | Janynee Covington |
Work Location |
Prince George's
|
Introduction
The Office of the Public Defender is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants. The agency’s vision is Justice, Fairness and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of culture of excellence, client centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united in achieving the agency’s mission.
The Office of the Public Defender is seeking detail oriented applicants with legal research skills, exceptional organizational, critical thinking and problem solving skills highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook to fill full-time Contractual Bilingual Paralegal I position in its Parental Defense Division, located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The Contractual Bilingual Paralegal I provides assistance to Assistant Public Defender by performing legal research, preparing files on cases, drafting legal documents, filing documents in court, assisting with pretrial preparation, answering correspondence and interviewing clients and witnesses. This position involves significant client contact with indigent defendants and their families in office, court, detention center and/or state prison settings and other government agencies. Travel between offices and courthouses to pick up and deliver documents is required. Bilingual skills are required for this position. Applicants must be able to speak, read and write proficiently in both Spanish and English.
GRADE
LOCATION OF POSITION
14753 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772
Main Purpose of Job
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Two years of experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary performing legal research or preparing legal documents on behalf of an attorney.
Notes: 1. Thirty credit hours or a certificate in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.
2. Thirty credit hours from an accredited law school may be substituted for the required experience.
3. Additional years of experience as stated above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in paralegal specialist classifications or paralegal specialist specialty codes in the legal and kindred field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Basic knowledge of criminal law terminology and procedures. Knowledge of Westlawnext or other legal research applications. Strong interest in working with indigent defendants and their families. Familiarity working with individuals with cognitive or mental health concerns. Exceptional organizational, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be admitted to the examination for this classification. Successful candidates will be ranked as BEST QUALIFIED, BETTER QUALIFIED, OR QUALIFIED and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online Applications Preferred. Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-2260.
Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling (410) 767-8503, toll free: 877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258. Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing.
A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.