Assistant Public Defender: District II
Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Dorchester Counties
Recruitment #23-005799-0016
Department | Office of the Public Defender |
---|---|
Date Opened | 8/22/2023 11:59:00 PM |
Filing Deadline | Open/Continuous |
Salary | $84,225.00 - $135,450.00/year |
Employment Type |
Full-Time
|
HR Analyst | Marie Figueroa Ocasio |
Work Location |
Dorchester
Somerset Wicomico Worcester |
Introduction
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks zealous, dedicated, and client-centered litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in our District 2 offices. OPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
The Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Dorchester offices are small but busy rural public defender offices with a combined total of approximately 40+ attorneys and staff. OPD strives to achieve Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the OPD’s mission.
GRADE
LOCATION OF POSITION
Main Purpose of Job
Assistant Public Defender
combines their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation
skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients.
Candidates with limited/moderate amount of criminal trial experience interested
in joining OPD to do criminal trial work are invited to apply. Offers will be
made on a rolling basis. Successful candidates for these positions will begin
their employment with OPD immediately.
POSITION DUTIES
Primary Responsibilities:
- Zealous representation of indigent defendants charged with misdemeanor criminal and traffic matters.
- Ability to prepare for and manage an active caseload; including, but not limited to the handling of bail review hearings, District Court trials, preliminary hearings, violation of probation hearings, and modification of sentence hearings competently and resourcefully.
- Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and providers for optimal client outcomes.
- Continuously seek professional 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 communities who have been pushed to the margins.
- Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
- Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Compassion.
- 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.
- Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
- Exposure to the proceedings and pace of the District Court (litigation experience or judicial clerkship helpful).
- All offers will be contingent on membership in good standing with the bar in advance of the scheduled start date (unfortunately, this means most third-year law students are not eligible). Non-Maryland attorneys must commit to becoming a member of the MD bar within 18 months of their start date.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Assistant Public Defender I
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: None
Notes:
1. Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at the time of appointment.
2. The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
Assistant Public Defender II
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: Experience as a practicing Attorney.
Notes:
1. Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at the time of appointment.
2. The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
Assistant Public Defender III
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: Experience as a practicing Attorney.
Notes:
1. Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at the time of appointment.
2. The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
If you wish to be considered,
please click below to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment through the Maryland
State Government Job Openings Page Resume Tab: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter, (3)
list of four professional references, and (4) a law school transcript (if
graduated from law school within the past 3 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 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.
Click on a link below to apply for this position:
Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. | Apply Online |
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. | This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here. |
Apply via Paper Application. | You may also download and complete the Paper Application here. |