ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER
Experienced Attorneys (Positions Across the State of Maryland)
Recruitment #23-005799-0015
Department | Office of the Public Defender |
---|---|
Date Opened | 8/22/2023 11:59:00 PM |
Filing Deadline | 1/19/2024 11:59:00 PM |
Salary | $84,047.00 - $135,450.00/year |
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
The Maryland Office of the Public
Defender (OPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve in locations
throughout the State of Maryland. 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 1000 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 the mission, public defense and our commitment
to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
GRADE
LOCATION OF POSITION
Main Purpose of Job
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 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.
POSITION DUTIES
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Represents clients in legal matters, including bail hearings, motions hearings, trials, and appeals in felony cases.
- Ensure 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, correspondence, and appeals 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 and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.
- Provides post-representation follow-up with the client regarding matters such as client release, and other appropriate collateral issues.
- Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.
- Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
- Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.
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 justice 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 trial experience required. Felony jury trial experience (experience handling complex criminal jury trials where clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) 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 the start date.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
If you wish to be considered,
please click below to fill out the application and submit the following items
in one PDF attachment through the
Maryland State Government Job Openings Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a
cover letter, (3) a list of four references, and (4) writing sample (required
only for attorneys with 3+ years of experience pursuing a felony position. 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.