ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER POSITIONS
Locations Throughout Maryland (Spring Class 2023)
Recruitment #22-005799-0010
Department | Office of the Public Defender |
---|---|
Date Opened | 7/18/2022 11:59:00 PM |
Filing Deadline | 11/11/2022 11:59:00 PM |
Salary | Assistant Public Defender I $66,671-$101,165; APD II $71,142-$107,934; APD III $75,926-$115,182 |
Employment Type |
Full-Time
|
HR Analyst | Marie Figueroa Ocasio |
Work Location |
Allegany
Anne Arundel Baltimore City Baltimore County Calvert Caroline Carroll Cecil Charles Dorchester Frederick Garrett Harford Howard Kent Montgomery Prince George's Queen Anne's Somerset St. Mary's Talbot Washington County Wicomico Worcester |
Introduction
Our vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. At OPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. OPD seeks candidates that will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
GRADE
Main Purpose of Job
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks dynamic, dedicated, and client-centered litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in offices across Maryland. Following a lengthy hiring freeze and an unprecedented number of retirements and turnover, OPD is excited to hire attorneys to join offices across Maryland. OPD currently has opportunities for candidates at all experience levels. Offers will be made for specific jurisdictions based on the candidate’s stated geographic limitations and preferences as well as OPD’s needs. Successful candidates for these positions will begin their employment with OPD on a rolling basis between October, 2022 and February, 2023. All selected candidates, regardless of start date, will attend OPD’s Gideon’s Promise program together on February 1, 2023.
POSITION DUTIES
Assistant
Public Defenders combine their demonstrated dedication to the representation of
indigent clients with their strong litigation skills to provide exceptional
representation. With training
and support, attorneys in these positions are expected to
work independently in managing an active caseload
while simultaneously working in a team-oriented
environment focused on a client-centered approach to advocacy.
● Ability to competently and
resourcefully prepare for and manage an active caseload.
● Effectively and
compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and service providers to
ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
● Continuously seek
professional and personal development through trainings, continuing legal
education, and trial skills courses.
● Ensure clients are
consistently heard and respected.
● Passionate and zealous
representation of clients charged with criminal and traffic matters at every
stage of the criminal process.
CORE
COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:
●
Demonstrated
commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
●
Clear
dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the
criminal justice system.
●
Compassion.
●
Ability
to communicate effectively with people with 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.
● All offers will be
contingent on membership in good standing with the bar in advance of the
scheduled start date.[1]
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
If
you wish to be considered please complete the State of Maryland online application. Additionally, click here to fill out a supplemental questionnaire and please submit the
following items in one email to opd-jobs.law@maryland.gov:
(1)
current resume, (2) cover letter addressing the above qualifications, (3) a
list of references; and (4) law
school transcript (if within 3 years of graduation). In
the subject line of the email please indicate “Assistant Public Defender.” Incomplete applications will not be considered.
CLOSING
DATE: NOVEMBER 11,
2022
WE HIGHLY ENCOURAGE CANDIDATES
TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
OFFERS WILL BE MADE ON A
ROLLING BASIS
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d). Assistant Public Defenders cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.
[1] To be eligible for these positions you must be admitted to the bar in advance of December, 2022. Accordingly most current law students are not eligible. For candidates awaiting bar results, offers will be made contingent on admission to a bar in advance of the set start date. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of start date.