Skip to Main Content

Education Attorney: Juvenile Protection Unit

Assistant Public Defender III

Recruitment #24-005799-0005

Go Back View Benefits

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced attorney with a background in education law or representing children to serve as an Education Attorney in the Statewide Juvenile Protection Division (JPD). The Education Attorney will be dedicated entirely to ensuring that juvenile clients receive the educational services to which they are legally entitled. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

 

The Juvenile Protection Division is a specialized statewide division that monitors the conditions of confinement of all MOPD juvenile clients committed to the care and custody of the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS).  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. 

GRADE

ASTD22

Main Purpose of Job

The Education Attorney will use their knowledge and expertise to ensure our juvenile clients in out-of-home placements are receiving services that are comparable to those they would receive in their community-based schools. This will be accomplished by providing direct representation to clients within their community-based schools or DJS facilities at IEP or 504 meetings, manifestation hearings, and in any other capacity deemed necessary. The Education Attorney will also provide training, knowledge, and technical expertise to attorneys and social workers so that they are equipped to identify and address educational barriers faced by their clients. This position requires travel throughout the State of Maryland as well as familiarity with the challenges and joys of working with young people in a major American City.

POSITION DUTIES

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responds to referrals from supervisor MOPD juvenile staff to assess the educational needs of their clients under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. 
  • Represents clients in school-based proceedings (e.g., IEP and 504 meetings, suspension hearings, manifestation hearings, etc.) in all educational settings, including detention facilities, out-of-home placements, and community-based schools.
  • Identifies and addresses situations where MOPD juvenile clients are not receiving the educational services to which they are legally entitled.
  • Prepares and files complaints documenting failure to provide legally mandated educational services.
  • Cultivates excellence and professional development amongst attorneys by providing regular in-house training programs and working with the Training Division and other Statewide Divisions to develop training programs.
  • Testifies at court and judicial hearings as an expert in education.
  • Works with external stakeholders such as the Juvenile Services Education Program (JSEP) schools, the JSEP school board, DJS, and others to help meet the needs of our clients.
  • Assists with MOPD’s legislative advocacy efforts related to youth justice issues.
  • Accepts other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Demonstrated mentorship, client advocacy, management abilities, and commitment to tenacious and comprehensive juvenile public defense.
  • Knowledge, training, and experience related to education law, adolescent development, neuroscience, education, mental health treatment, and best practices for juvenile rehabilitation.
  • Expert knowledge of Maryland state law, Maryland counties codes, and federal regulations such as Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
  • A minimum of 2 years handling education hearings, such as administrative hearings, IEP hearings, and Maryland State of Education complaints.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the cultural competence to collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups. 
  • Proven expertise in effectively communicating legal concepts to children and adolescents in an effective manner.
  • Strong organizational, legal research, and legal writing skills. 
  • Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or 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 the start date.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

BENEFITS

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees.

 

Assistant Public Defender III: $103,514.00-$135,450.00 (Grade 22, Step 10-Step 24).

 

Click here to review the benefit information.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

To be considered for this position, please click below to fill out the application and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment on the Resume Tab in the JobAps Application: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, and (4) a legal writing sample.

 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

 

Assistant Public Defenders cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203.

 

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.




Powered by JobAps