ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY : ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY (DISTRICT VII) (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I)

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and\r\nzealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in Anne Arundel\r\nCounty, Maryland. Assistant Public Defenders combine their demonstrated\r\ncommitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide\r\nexceptional representation on behalf of their clients. MOPD is committed to\r\nbuilding a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically\r\nunderrepresented in the practice of law to apply.\r\n�\r\nThe Anne Arundel County office is a busy public defender office with\r\napproximately 50 attorneys and staff. MOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness,\r\nand Dignity for All and we are committed to our core values of a culture of\r\nexcellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and remain\r\nunited as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education\r\nand experience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse\r\nto remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents,\r\nidentities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing\r\nour clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in\r\nall of the spaces we occupy. MOPD seeks candidates who will join us in\r\nproviding compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered�representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our mission and\r\ncommitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.�\r\n�\r\nOVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:\r\n�\r\nThis position requires a willingness to learn, train, and practice\r\nexceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the\r\nability to work as a team in managing an active district court caseload.\r\nAttorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, and core\r\nstaff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a\r\nclient-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic\r\ninequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system\r\ninvolvement. Positions are available in both Glen Burnie and Annapolis district\r\ncourts. Attorneys may be required to rotate between the district courts\r\ndepending on need.\r\n�\r\nOPD will consider applications for candidates who have taken the July\r\nMaryland Bar examination and are pending results.\r\n

GRADE

ASTD20\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Glen Burnie and Annapolis\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:\r\n�\r\n● Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the\r\ncriminal process.\r\n● Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.\r\n● Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws,\r\nlegislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents in\r\npreparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose\r\nresolutions.\r\n● Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members,\r\ncolleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.\r\n● Counsels and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and\r\nlegal issues.\r\n● Negotiates with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreements\r\nto resolve cases favorably for the client.\r\n● Resourcefully manage a full caseload.\r\n● Continuously seek professional and personal development through\r\ntrainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.\r\n●\r\nOther duties as assigned by the Public Defender.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

\r\n\r\nCORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:\r\n�\r\n● Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to\r\nthe margins.\r\n● Clear dedication to\r\nupending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.\r\n● Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively\r\nwith people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.\r\n● Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.\r\n● Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary\r\nto handle a high caseload.\r\n● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of\r\nanother state.\r\n�\r\nAttorneys barred in another state must become members of the\r\nMaryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with MOPD.\r\n\r\n

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS:\r\n�\r\nSalary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of\r\nMaryland employees.\r\nThis would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.\r\n�\r\nAssistant Public Defender I-$88,999.00 (Starting at Grade 20: Step 06)\r\n�\r\nPlease visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review\r\nbenefit information.\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO APPLY:\r\n�\r\nIf you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the\r\napplication and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through\r\nthe Maryland State Government Job Openings Resume Page: (1) a current resume,\r\n(2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, and (4) a\r\nwriting sample no longer than fifteen (15) pages.\r\n�\r\nIncomplete applications will not be considered.\r\n�\r\nAssistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in\r\nthe private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure\r\nArt., Section 16-203(d)(2).\r\n�\r\nAs a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is\r\nan affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the\r\nfull inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color,\r\nreligion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender\r\nidentity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.\r\n�\r\nAll applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and\r\npossess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.\r\nApplicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various\r\ncourtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state.\r\nMOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable\r\naccommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs,\r\nand activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job\r\nor work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or\r\nemployee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position\r\nthey desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or\r\nto enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other\r\nsimilarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation\r\nimposes an undue hardship.\r\n�\r\nApplicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment.\r\nApplicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public\r\ntransportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda\r\nJackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or\r\ntawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n