Entry Level Attorney: District II Assistant Public Defender I (Assistant Public Defender I) - #26-005430-0039

State of Maryland · United States

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has openings for entrylevel zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders for theDistrict II office serving the Lower Eastern Shore communities ofWorcester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Dorchester Counties. The attorney inthis position will combine their demonstrated commitment with their strongand zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation onbehalf of their clients. We are committed to building a culturally diversestaff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in thepractice of law to apply.

At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justiceand fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midstof human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educationalbackgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We standup against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaceswe occupy. MOPD seeks candidates who will join us in providingcompassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation toall of our clients. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity,and inclusion.

ASTD20

DORCHESTER, WICOMICO, WORCESTER AND SOMERSET COUNTIES

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

The position is ideal for an entry level attorney seeking to gain criminaltrial experience in a fast-paced environment. We are seeking candidates who areinnovative and creative thinkers and have the ability to workindependently in managing an active case load of district court andother specialty cases such as juvenile, civil non-support and violationsof probation. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers,investigators, experts, and core staff in a team-oriented environment.Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representationwith advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequencesthat lead to deeper system involvement. Ideal candidates should beavailable to start within one month after receiving an offer.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including bailhearings, motions hearings, trial, and post-trial hearings.

Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.

Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws,legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and caseprecedents in preparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problemsand propose resolutions.

Drafts and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions,and correspondence for clients.

Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members,colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.

Counsel and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, andlegal issues.

Negotiates with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders toestablish agreements to resolve cases

favorably for the client.

Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.

Continuously seek professional development by attending varioustraining sessions.

Other duties as assigned by the District Public Defender.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed tothe margins.

Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairnessin the criminal legal system.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectivelywith people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.

Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills arenecessary to handle a high caseload.

Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar ofanother state.

Attorneysbarred in another state must becomemembers of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start datewith MOPD.

Salary and Benefits:

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

This would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.

Assistant Public Defender I starting at $88,9990.00 (Grade 20: Step 06)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employees page to review benefitinformation.

How to Apply:

If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application andupload the following documents in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab ofthe Maryland State Government Job Openings: (1) a current resume, (2) a coverletter, (3) a list of four professional references, and (4) a writing sample nolonger than fifteen (15) pages.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage inthe private practice of law

while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section16-203(d)(2).

As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) isan affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to thefull inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color,religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, genderidentity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors andpossess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to variouscourtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state.MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonableaccommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services,programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job applicationprocess or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to theknown applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be consideredfor the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of theposition in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employmentas 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 publictransportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact TawandaJackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.