ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER: Fall Class 2024

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks dedicated and client-centered litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in District Court locations throughout the State of Maryland. Candidates with limited/moderate amount of criminal trial experience interested in joining OPD to do criminal trial work are invited to apply. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.     

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is a statewide agency that provides superior representation to indigent clients at all stages of the criminal case including trial, appeal, and eligible post-conviction proceedings. Representation is provided through offices and services at 52 locations statewide with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. At MOPD, we use our legal education and expertise to fight for justice and fairness, as tenacious advocates we refuse to remain silent amid human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in providing superior representation to our clients. We stand firm against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all communities and spaces.

MOPD’s mission focuses on Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and function as a team united in achieving MOPD’s mission. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Assistant Public Defender combines their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. Offers will be made on a rolling basis. Successful candidates for these positions will begin their employment with OPD by August 07, 2024. All selected candidates are required to attend training from August 12, 2024, to August 26, 2024.

Primary Responsibilities

• Zealous representation of indigent defendants charged with misdemeanor criminal and traffic matters.
• Ability to prepare for and manage an active caseload; including, but not limited to the handling of bail review hearings, District Court trials, preliminary hearings, violation of probation hearings, and modification of sentence hearings competently and resourcefully.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and providers for optimal client outcomes.
• Continuously seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
• Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

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.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Compassion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
• Exposure to the proceedings and pace of the District Court (litigation experience or judicial clerkship helpful).
• All offers will be contingent on membership in good standing with the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state by July 2024. Individuals who are a member of the Bar of another State must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees. Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.

Assistant Public Defender I- $84,225.00-$107,833.00 (Grade 20: Step 6-Step 19)

Assistant Public Defender II-$93,424.00-$115,048.00 (Grade 21: Step 8-Step 19)

To be considered for this position, click below to fill out the application. Under the resume tab in the application portal, upload the following items as one PDF attachment: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, (4) a writing sample no longer than 15 pages, and (5) your law school transcript (if graduated from within the past 3 years). 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).

As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

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 and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to 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 equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship.

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.