ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER: FORENSIC MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced, zealous, client-centered attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in the Forensic Mental Health Division (FMHD). OPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

MOPD has offices in every Jurisdiction in the state where we represent indigent people charged with crimes, in addition we have statewide divisions including: Appellate Division (representing clients in appellate courts), Mental Health Division (representing people who have been involuntarily hospitalized), Post-Conviction Division (representing clients ineffective assistance of counsel proceedings), and Parental Defense Division (representing parents in proceeds to remove children from parental custody or terminate parental rights). OPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the MOPD’s mission. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 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. 

The Forensic Mental Division is a statewide division whose mission is to provide OPD staff and panel attorneys with access to the highest caliber expert consultative services, resources, training, and on-call litigation support necessary for superior representation of clients with complex mental health issues.

ASTD22; ASTD21

Baltimore, MD

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

An Assistant Public Defender serving as a Forensic Mental Health Attorney works directly with OPD and panel attorneys throughout the state and in all divisions to provide specialized litigation support for the representation of clients with complex behavioral health issues, primarily on issues where a behavioral health condition intersects with legal issues, such as: competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, dangerousness assessments, and parenting capacity. The FMHD attorney assists in clarifying relevant case strategies, developing contextual legal frameworks, and identifying appropriate behavioral health experts to assist in the process. The FMHD attorney role includes advising and providing training to attorneys, direct litigation in serious Felony and Termination of Parental Rights cases, developing institutional models for practice, and participating in relevant policy development. The position will be located at 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland, and is currently hybrid-remote consistent with State of Maryland policies.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

● Collaborate with all litigation team members to promote comprehensive client-centered representation from the filing of charges through disposition.

● Support OPD and panel attorneys related to all aspects of mental health evidence and expert testimony, including reviewing mental health records and case discovery, identifying trial strategies and defenses, identifying expert consultation needs, and assisting with preparation for related litigation.

● Identify, vet, and retain behavioral health experts necessary to evaluate OPD clients to provide individualized representation.

● Directly participate in litigation in serious cases as needed.

● Identify relevant training needs on individual, district, and statewide bases.

● Develop and conduct informal or formal training at the district/division level and for the public, outside agencies, or other interested entities, as requested.

● In collaboration with the Training Division, develop and conduct formal training programs to enhance the representation of clients with complex health needs.

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

● Collaborate with OPD’s government relations team to identify and address injustice within the policies and systems impacting our clients with behavioral health challenges.

● Accepts other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS

● Demonstrated commitment to zealous, client-centered representation of clients.

● Strong courtroom advocacy skills.

● At least 5 years criminal, parental defense, or mental health litigation experience.  Experience as a medical or mental health professional may be substituted.

● Experience litigating jury trials, Child in Need of Assistance, or Termination of Parental Rights Hearings or hearings related to involuntary hospitalization preferred.

·  Experience working with people with mental health disorders or intellectual disabilities outside of legal settings preferred.

● Experience utilizing forensic mental health experts preferred.

● Specialized training, education, or experience in the areas of psychology or psychiatry, civil commitment litigation, or other behavioral health-related occupations preferred.

● Ability to communicate effectively with OPD clients, attorneys, consulting experts and others to ensure coordination of efforts to achieve effective mental health litigation support.

● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or the Bar of another State. 

Individuals who are members of the Bar of another State must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with OPD. 

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 on the Resume Tab in the JobAps Application:: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter addressing the above qualifications, (3) list of four references, and (4) a writing sample.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d). Assistant Public Defenders cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.

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.