Apd: District Viii: Baltimore County (Assistant Public Defender I) - #26-005430-0037

State of Maryland · United States

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced andzealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in Baltimore County,Maryland. Assistant Public Defenders combine their demonstrated commitmentwith their strong and zealous litigation skills to provideexceptional representation on behalf of their clients. MOPD is committedto building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages peoplehistorically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

The Baltimore County office is an urban Public Defender office with approximately70 employees providing client-centered representation. MOPDs vision is forJustice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed to our corevalues of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, andtenacious 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 ofhuman suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds,and perspectives 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. Learnmore about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

ASTD20

Towson, MD

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

This position requires a willingness to learn, train, and practiceexceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and theability to work as a team in managing an active district court caseload.Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, and corestaff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance aclient-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemicinequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. Thisposition will be located in all three Baltimore County district courts.Attorneys will be required to rotate between the district courts depending onneed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of thecriminal process.

Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.

Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws,legislation, procedural rules, court

decisions, and case precedents in preparation for trial and to determine/anticipate legal problems and

propose resolutions.

Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members,colleagues, and service

providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.

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

Negotiates with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreementsto resolve cases favorably for the client.

Resourcefully manage a full caseload.

Continuously seek professional and personal development throughtrainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.

Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

CORE COMPETENCIES ANDREQUIREMENTS:

Demonstrated commitment toserving communities who have been pushed to the margins.

Clear dedication to upendingsystemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.

Strong interpersonal skillsand the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and livedexperiences.

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

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

Active membership in goodstanding in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state.

Attorneys barred in anotherstate must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with 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-$88,999.00 (Starting at 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 clickhere to fill out the application and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland StateGovernment Job Openings Resume Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) alist of four professional references, and (4) a writing sample no longer 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., Section 16-203(d)(2).

As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is anaffirmative action and equal

opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of allqualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexualorientation, gender identity, 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 workin various positions and travel to various courtrooms, office environments, and detention facilitiesthroughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation forindividuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities by modifying oradjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to theknown applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position theydesire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits andprivileges 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 areasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.