ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender seeks a zealous, client-centered attorney to serve as a Forensic Science Litigation Support Attorney. The Forensics Division of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is a state-wide specialized division that provides support services and training to MOPD and panel attorneys in forensic sciences. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.  

Our vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. 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.

The Forensic Science Litigation Support Attorney provides specialized support to attorneys related to the legal framework for the admissibility of expert opinions and scientific testing, including disclosure and discovery issues, and procedural and substantive issues related to the development of theories of defense. MOPD will consider candidates of all experience levels for this position. This position is located at 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland, and is currently hybrid/remote.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Support and collaborate with OPD and panel attorneys on all aspects of forensic evidence and expert testimony[1], including review of case-related discovery, identification, consultation with independent experts, development of legal strategies and defenses, and related litigation.
•  Litigate complex challenges to forensic science evidence.
• Assist in developing and conducting training programs.
• Consult with our governmental relations team and legislators about forensic evidence policy issues.
• Other Duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

Core Competencies and Requirements:

• Strong critical thinking skills and an ability to solve problems creatively.
• Significant criminal defense litigation experience including utilizing forensic science experts (preferred).
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills including the ability: (1) to simplify and explain complex forensic ideas, and (2) to communicate effectively with a range of audiences including people with different backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Collaborative work style with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins. 
• Compassion.
• All offers will be contingent on membership in Good Standing with the bar in advance of the scheduled start date. Non-Maryland attorneys must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.

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. 

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 I- $84,225.00-$107,833.00 (Grade 20: Step 06-Step 19)

Assistant Public Defender II- $93,424.00-$115,048.00 (Grade 21: Step 08- 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.

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 Resume Tab on the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page: (1) a current CV/resume, (2) a cover letter addressing the above qualifications, (3) list of four professional references, and (4) a writing sample.

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.