Juvenile/Emerging Adult Attorney
Baltimore County (District VIII)
Recruitment #24-005799-0006
Department | Office of the Public Defender |
---|---|
Date Opened | 2/29/2024 11:59:00 PM |
Filing Deadline | 3/29/2024 11:59:00 PM |
Salary | $84,225.00-$122,774.00/year |
Employment Type |
Full-Time
|
HR Analyst | Marie Figueroa Ocasio |
Work Location |
Baltimore County
|
Introduction
The Maryland Office of the Public
Defender (MOPD) seeks zealous and dedicated litigators to represent young
people in our Baltimore County office in both delinquency and criminal matters.
MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly
encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to
apply.
Our vision is for Justice,
Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed to our core values of a
culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and
remaining 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.
GRADE
LOCATION OF POSITION
Main Purpose of Job
MOPD Juvenile Defenders provide
consistent client-centered representation to their clients from their first
court appearance through the completion of the case. This vertical
representation model leads to deep and lasting client relationships and continuity
of representation. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers 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.
POSITION DUTIES
Primary Responsibilities
· Represent youth at arraignment, adjudication, disposition, and post-disposition hearings.
· Represent juveniles and emerging adults (18-22) in circuit court matters including transfer hearings, pre-trial hearings, jury trials, and disposition.
· Represent clients in administrative matters related to conditions of confinement and access to treatment.
· Work to identify and advocate for solutions to systemic issues.
· Work collaboratively with social workers and core staff to assist clients and their families in matters related to housing, education, school discipline, mental health, and other collateral matters that contribute to deepening systemic involvement.
· Investigate, develop, and litigate novel and cutting-edge Constitutional arguments in order to advance and expand the rights of young people in contact with the juvenile justice and criminal justice systems.
· Competently and resourcefully prepare for and manage an active caseload.
· Effectively, proactively, and compassionately communicate with clients, family members, team members, colleagues, community resources, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes and resolve challenges in an open, constructive, and professional manner.
· Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
· Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.
Core Competencies and Requirements
· Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive defense practice, including the ability to represent clients in juvenile, criminal, and administrative hearings.
· Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
· Knowledge, training, and experience related to adolescent development, neuroscience, education, mental health treatment, and best practices for juvenile rehabilitation.
· Ability to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds and lived experiences.
· Proven expertise in communicating with children and adolescents is preferred.
· Ability to work in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
· Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
· Criminal trial and/or experience representing juveniles preferred.
· Jury trial experience is preferred.
· Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another State by start date. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of 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.
SELECTIVE 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.
BENEFITS
Salary and Benefits
Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will
apply to State of Maryland employees.
Assistant Public Defender I- $84,225.00-$107,833.00 (Grade
20: Step 6-Step 19)
Assistant Public Defender II-$93,424.00-$115,048.00 (Grade
21: Step 8-Step 19)
Assistant Public Defender III- $103,514.00-$122,774.00
(Grade 22: Step 10-Step 19)
Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO APPLY
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, (4) writing sample,
and (5) 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.