ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY: DISTRICT VI: MONTGOMERY COUNTY

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve as

Assistant Public Defenders in Montgomery County, Maryland. Assistant Public Defenders provide exceptional representation to their clients demonstrated through skilled litigation, tenacious advocacy in and outside of court and a commitment to client-centered representation. MOPD is committed to cultivating a robust and culturally diverse team and strongly encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, including those from historically underrepresented in the practice of law.

The Montgomery County office is a suburban Public Defender office with approximately 60 employees providing representation to qualifying individuals in criminal, juvenile and some select civil matters. MOPD’s vision of Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All is reflected by our commitment to core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and unity of purpose in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, and to provide a strong voice to those who have been traditionally made voiceless in our society. 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. MOPD seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Refer to the MOPD website to learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

This position is for an entry level Assistant Public Defender. The position requires a willingness to learn,

train, and practice exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work as

a team in managing an active and substantial district court caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, and core staff in a team-oriented environment to represent qualifying clients. 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. Positions are available in Montgomery County district court. Attorneys may be required to rotate between the district courthouses in Rockville and Silver Spring, depending on need.

Being an Assistant Public Defender requires an exceptional level of dedication to the mission of MOPD

and its clients and involves a substantial commitment of time and effort; applicants should be prepared to

discuss and demonstrate the same.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the legal process, in and outside of

court.

● Maintain effective and consistent communication with clients, who are incarcerated or in the community,

to ensure that individuals we represent are consistently heard and respected. For clients who are

incarcerated, it is expected that attorneys will regularly travel to the place of incarceration and visit clients

there to engage in substantive discussions of their cases.

● Conducts substantive legal research, writing and analysis, to specifically include briefing the courts on

changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and other legal precedent, in preparation

for hearings and trial.

● Coordinate and compassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and service

providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.

● Counsel and advise clients on changes in law, court decisions, legal issues and options.

● Negotiates with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for

the client.

● Resourcefully manage a full and significant caseload from initial appearance to post-sentencing stages

for each assigned client.

● Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills

courses; and meet all MOPD CLE requirements.

● Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender, District Public Defender, and other supervisory

authorities.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees.

This would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.

Assistant Public Defender I-$87,620.00 (Starting at Grade 20: Step 06)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and upload the

following documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job

Openings Resume Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional

references, and (4) a writing sample no longer than fifteen (15) pages.

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, office environments, and detention facilities 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.