APD: DISTRICT VII: ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I)

Introduction

\r\nThe 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\r\nto building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people\r\nhistorically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.\r\n�\r\nThe Anne Arundel County office is a busy suburban public defender’s\r\noffice with approximately 50 employees providing client-centered\r\nrepresentation to individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies in\r\nAnne Arundel County. MOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for\r\nAll and we are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence,\r\nclient-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and remain united\r\nas a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and\r\nexperience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to\r\nremain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents,\r\nidentities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us\r\nin representing our clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic\r\nracism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. MOPD seeks candidates\r\nwho will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and\r\nclient-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our mission\r\nand commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.\r\n\r\n

GRADE

ASTD20\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Annapolis and Glen Burnie\r\nDistrict Courts\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

\r\nOVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:\r\n�\r\nThis position requires a willingness to learn, train, and practice\r\nexceptional trial skills, innovative thinking,\r\ninvestigative skills, and the ability to work as a team in managing an\r\nactive district court caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with social\r\nworkers, investigators, and core staff in a team-oriented environment.\r\nAttorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation\r\nwith advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences\r\nthat lead to deeper system involvement. Positions are available in both\r\nAnnapolis and Glen Burnie district courts. Attorneys may be required to\r\nrotate between the district courts depending on need.\r\n�\r\nDUTIES 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\r\nand propose resolutions.\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● Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.\r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CORE COMPETENCIES AND\r\nREQUIREMENTS:\r\n�\r\n● Demonstrated commitment to\r\nserving communities who have been pushed to the margins.\r\n● Clear dedication to upending\r\nsystemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.\r\n● Strong interpersonal skills\r\nand the ability to communicate effectively with people from different��backgrounds and lived experiences.\r\n● Ability to thrive in a\r\nfast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.\r\n● Exceptional organizational,\r\nlegal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.\r\n● Active membership in good\r\nstanding in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state.�\r\n\r\n\r\nAttorneys barred in another\r\nstate must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of�their start date with MOPD.\r\n

BENEFITS

\r\nSALARY 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-$87,620.00 (Starting at Grade 20: Step 06)\r\n�\r\nPlease visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to\r\nreview benefit information.\r\n\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

\r\nHOW 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\r\nthrough the Maryland State Government Job Openings Resume Page: (1) a\r\ncurrent resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four\r\nprofessional references, and (4) a writing sample no longer than fifteen\r\n(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\r\nProcedure Art., 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\r\nthe full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race,\r\ncolor, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation,\r\ngender identity, 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\r\nservices, programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application\r\nprocess or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations\r\nto the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be\r\nconsidered for the position they desire; to perform the\r\nessential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal\r\nbenefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly\r\nsituated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes\r\nan 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\r\npublic transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please\r\ncontact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503\r\nor tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n\r\n