EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: PARENTAL DEFENSE DIVISION

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a zealous and dedicated advocate to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in our Parental Defense Division (PDD). The Parental Defense Division protects and advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians in Child in Need of Assistance/Termination of Parental Rights (CINA/TPR) proceedings. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is committed to advancing Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our work is guided by core institutional values that promote a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, principled and tenacious advocacy, and unity of purpose in fulfilling our constitutional mission. MOPD attorneys and staff apply rigorous legal training, professional judgment, and practical experience to safeguard the rights of individuals and families across Maryland. The strength of our representation is enhanced by the diverse talents, backgrounds, identities, and perspectives of our workforce, which deepen our capacity to serve the full breadth of the communities we represent.

Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

ASTD22; ASTD21

Baltimore, MD

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

Assistant Public Defenders in the Parental Defense Division are critical thinkers with a demonstrated ability to apply legal analysis in an area of the law that is still evolving. Attorneys must be willing to challenge the system and be persistent in the face of ambiguity or outright resistance to their position. Assistant Public Defenders must be able to handle crises and various personalities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Our attorneys represent parents and/or legal guardians whose children have been removed or are at risk of being removed from their care and custody by the State. The attorney in this position will represent clients in adversarial proceedings from the initial Emergency Shelter Care Hearing to the Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) trial.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

● Protect clients’ Constitutional rights to raise and rear their children.

● Defend clients against allegations of neglect and/or abuse.

● Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at every stage of the proceeding.

● Engage in motions practice, legal research, and writing.

● Obtain, organize, and review voluminous records in preparing a defense.

● Develop and maintain client relationships over the extended life of the case.

● Collaborate with PDD social workers, criminal defense attorneys, parent advocates, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.

● Provide client-centered representation, ensuring clients are heard and respected. 

● Be non-judgmental of and empathetic towards clients.

● Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients. 

● Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.

● Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS

● Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities.  

● Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness.

● Compassion and empathy.

● Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences. 

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

● Ability to use technology in order to telework and participate in virtual court hearings as necessary.

● Strong organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload with short deadlines.

● Prior experience in litigation including CINA/TPR, Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, or Family Law (experience may include internships, law school clinical programs, or any other relevant experience).

● Strong communication and client advocacy skills.

● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state is required.

Attorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.

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 II: starting at $97,190.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)

Assistant Public Defender III: starting at $107,687.00 (Grade 22: Step 10)

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 law school transcript (if graduated within the last three years).

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.