Apd Series: District Vi: Montgomery County (Assistant Public Defender I, II, & III) - #26-005799-0017

State of Maryland · United States

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has openings for entrylevel and experienced zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defendersin our District VI Montgomery County office. The attorneys in these positionswill combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealouslitigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of theirclients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encouragepeople historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

The Montgomery County office is a large suburban Public Defender officewith approximately 60+ employees providing client-centered representation toindividuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Montgomery County.MOPDs vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we arecommitted to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation,and tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission.At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice andfairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of humansuffering. 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 seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent,zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn moreabout our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

ASTD22, ATSD21; ASTD20

District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County - Rockville

191 E. Jefferson Street, Third Floor,

Rockville, MD 20850

District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County Silver Spring

8552 Second Avenue, First Floor

Silver Spring, MD 20910

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

The positions require a range of experience from limited/moderate amountof criminal trial experience to exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking,investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing anactive case load of district, felony and other specialty cases such as juvenile,civil non-support and violation of probation. Attorneys work in conjunctionwith social workers, investigators, experts, and core staff in a team-orientedenvironment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach torepresentation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequencesthat lead to deeper system involvement. Attorneys should be available to startwithin one month after receiving an offer. The position will be primarilylocated in the Rockville District Court office, however all employees may berequired to work out of the Silver Spring office.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Represent clients in allstages of their criminal case including at investigatory stages, bail hearings,motions hearings, trial, and post-trial hearings.

Conducts complex legalresearch and analysis, including regarding changes in laws, pending legislation,procedural rules, and court decisions in preparation for trial and todetermine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.

Drafts and preparespleadings, memoranda, briefs, motions, and correspondence for clients.

Effectively andcompassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and serviceproviders to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.

Counsel and advisesclients on factual and legal issues.

Investigate clientscases and diligently interface with investigators, social workers, forensicexperts and other professionals.

Negotiates withprosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolvecases

favorably for the client.

Competently andindependently manage a full caseload, including all trial preparation,discovery review and pretrial litigation.

Continuously seekprofessional development by attending various training sessions and continuing legaleducation as required.

Being available bothduring and outside of traditional business hours to support client andcolleagues as part of a dynamic legal team.

Other duties as assignedby the District Public Defender.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities, and aclear dedication to challenging

systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legalsystem.

Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

Stronginterpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with peoplefrom different backgrounds and livedexperiences.

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

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

Active membershipin good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys barredin another state must becomemembers of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with MOPD.

All applicants will beconsidered for the Assistant Public Defender I level, unless they meet the following qualifications: twoyears of litigation experience having specifically sat first chair on acriminal jury trial or at least five years of litigation experience includingregularly handling serious felony or life cases independently, having had multiplejury trials as first chair.

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 $88,999.00 (Grade 20: Step 06)

Assistant Public Defender II- starting at $98,840.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)

Assistant Public Defender III- starting at $109,794.00 (Grade 22: Step10)

Please visit the State ofMaryland Employees page to reviewbenefit information.

HOW TO APPLY:

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.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Second round interviews will be in-person. Assistant Public Defenders arefull-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while inthis position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(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 application processor the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the knownapplicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for theposition they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position inquestion; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as areenjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless theaccommodation 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.