EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: BALTIMORE REGION (Assistant Public Defender II & III) - #26-005799-0016

Introduction <p> The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has multiple openingsfor experienced and zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defendersin our Baltimore area offices. The Baltimore region includes our Baltimore Cityand Baltimore County offices. The attorney in this position will combine theirdemonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills toprovide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. We are committedto building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage peoplehistorically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. </p><p> </p><p> 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 midst ofhuman suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, andperspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up againstprejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. MOPD seekscandidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, andclient-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about ourmission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. </p> GRADE <p> ASTD22 ; ASTD21 </p> LOCATION OF POSITION <p> Baltimore City and Towson, MD </p> Main Purpose of Job <p> OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION: </p><p> </p><p> The positions require exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking,investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing anactive felony caseload. 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 consequences thatlead to deeper system involvement. Positions are available in Baltimore Cityand Towson, Maryland. Attorneys should be available to start within one monthafter receiving an offer. </p><p> </p><p> DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: </p><p> </p><p> Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including bailhearings, motions hearings, and trial, and post-trial hearings. </p><p> Ensures clients are consistently heard and respected. </p><p> Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws,legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents inpreparation for trial and to determine/anticipate legal problems and proposeresolutions. </p><p> Drafts and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions,and correspondence for clients. </p><p> Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members,colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients. </p><p> Counsels and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, andlegal issues. </p><p> Negotiates with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders toestablish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client. </p><p> Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload. </p><p> Continuously seek professional development by attending varioustraining sessions. </p><p> Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender. </p> MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS <p> CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS: </p><p> </p><p> Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed tothe margins. </p><p> Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills. </p><p> Clear dedication toupending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system. </p><p> Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectivelywith people from different backgrounds and lived experiences. </p><p> Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment. </p><p> Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessaryto handle a high caseload. </p><p> Criminal jury trial experience required. Felony (cases involvingcomplex issues and/or where clients are facing the possibility of a lifesentence) jury trial experience is preferred. </p><p> Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar ofanother state. </p><p> </p><p> Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Barwithin 18 months of their start date with MOPD. </p> BENEFITS <p> SALARY AND BENEFITS: </p><p> </p><p> Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State ofMaryland employees. </p><p> This would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying. </p><p> </p><p> Assistant Public Defender II- starting at $98,840.00 (Grade 21: Step 08) </p><p> Assistant Public Defender III- starting at $109,794.00 (Grade 22: Step10) </p><p> </p><p> Please visit the State of Maryland Employees page to reviewbenefit information. </p> FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS <p> HOW TO APPLY: </p><p> </p><p> If you wish to be considered, please clickhere to fill out the application and upload the following documents in onePDF attachment through the Resume Tab of the Maryland State Government JobOpenings: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of fourprofessional references, and (4) a writing sample no longer than fifteen (15)pages. </p><p> </p><p> Incomplete applications will not be considered. </p><p> </p><p> Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage inthe private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal ProcedureArt., Section 16-203(d)(2). </p><p> </p><p> 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. </p><p> </p><p> 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 application process or the jobor work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant oremployee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the positionthey desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; orto enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by othersimilarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodationimposes an undue hardship. </p><p> </p><p> 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 ortawandal.jackson@maryland.gov. </p>