EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY (DISTRICT V)

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced and zealous litigator to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The attorney in this position will combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

The Prince George’s office is a large urban public defender’s office with approximately 65+ attorneys and staff. MOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. We are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD 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. MOPD seeks candidates who 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.

OVERVIEW:

The position requires exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active felony caseload. Prince George’s County attorneys practice vertical representation, in which an attorney who is initially assigned to a client continuously represents that client until the case is completed. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, experts, 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. Prince George’s County boasts a very vibrant and exciting variety of case types. This position also presents opportunities for attorneys to participate in community events to promote the mission of MOPD while ensuring that our clients’ voices are amplified even outside of the courtrooms. Attorneys should be available to start within one month after receiving an offer.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including bail hearings, motions hearings, and trial, and post-trial hearings.

● Ensures 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, and correspondence 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, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.

● Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.

● Continuously seek professional development by attending various training sessions.

● Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

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 Resume Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four references, and (4) writing sample. 

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.