APD II & III: YOUTHFUL DEFENDANT DIVISION, BALTIMORE CITY

ASTD21

ASTD22

Baltimore, MD

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The Baltimore City Defenders utilizes a vertical representation model to represent clients throughout the life of their case. This includes pretrial motions to transfer cases to juvenile court and all post-disposition representation.  The position requires exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active caseload. Representation includes utilizing experts and social workers in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys in the Youthful Defendant Unit (YDU) will have the skills necessary to litigate a case in juvenile and adult court. This position will be located in Baltimore City, Maryland.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

● Tenacious representation of young people at arraignment, transfer hearings, trials, sentencing hearings, and adjudications. 

● Works as part of a holistic representation team, including social workers, core staff, and medical and forensic experts. 

● Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.  

● Prepares for litigation through review of legal documents and case information, analysis of evidence, witness interviews, and preparation of witnesses for litigation. 

● 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, legal documents, motions, and client correspondence. 

● Effectively, proactively, and compassionately communicate with clients, family members, team members, colleagues, community resources, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes and resolve challenges openly, constructively, and professionally. 

● Counsel 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 training, CLEs, and trial skills courses. 

● Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

● Demonstrated commitment to tenacious and comprehensive defense practice, including the ability to represent clients in juvenile, criminal, and administrative hearings.

● Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

● Knowledge, training, and experience related to adolescent development, neuroscience, education, mental health treatment, and best practices for youth rehabilitation.

● Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.

● Compassion.

● Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences. Proven expertise in communicating with children and adolescents is preferred.

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

● Experience with the use of experts to include preparation for all stages of a transfer case.

● Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.

● Criminal trial and/or experience representing young people preferred.

● Active membership in good standing with the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state by the start date. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.