ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER SENIOR

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve in locations throughout the State of Maryland. The positions require exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active felony caseload. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

OPD’s 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.

● Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities both inside and outside the courtroom.

● Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.

● Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a challenging workload consisting of life cases and serious felony matters.

● Experienced and active trial practitioners with a minimum of seven (7) years of criminal trial experience in the circuit court required.

● Prior experience as lead counsel in no fewer than three (3) felony jury trials of serious and complex cases which were tried to verdict. Felony jury trial experience handling life cases (complex criminal jury trials where clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) is preferred.

● Demonstrated proficiency and experience in the utilization of expert witnesses and evidence, including but not limited to psychiatric and forensic evidence.

● Served as second chair on three (3) or more cases with other Assistant Public Defenders.

● Attended and successfully completed training or educational programming exceeding eighteen (18) credits in the 2024-25 CLE year (reflected through 6 or more separate program dates) preferred.

● Led at least 1 CLE in the last 18 months.

● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

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.

Starting at $114,875 (Grade: 23 Step 10)​

HOW TO APPLY

If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page: (1) Current resume; (2) Cover letter addressing the above qualifications. Please state the number of cases that were tried to verdict and indicate whether you were sole counsel, chief counsel, or associate counsel; (3) Two professional references (one must include a current core staff member in your District office); (4) Identify three of the most significant cases you have ever handled that went to trial, identifying the major points at issue in the litigation, and the outcome.

Incomplete or late submissions 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.