APD SERIES: Parental Defense Attorney: Baltimore City *Re-Post* (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I, II, & III)

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a zealous and\r\ndedicated advocate to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in our\r\nParental Defense Division (PDD). The Parental Defense Division protects\r\nand advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians in Child in Need ff Assistance/Termination\r\nof Parental Rights (CINA/TPR) proceedings. MOPD is committed to building\r\na culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically\r\nunderrepresented in the practice of law to apply.\r\n�\r\nThe Maryland Office of the Public Defender is committed to advancing\r\nJustice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our work is guided by core\r\ninstitutional values that promote a culture of excellence, client centered\r\nrepresentation, principled and tenacious advocacy, and unity of purpose in\r\nfulfilling our constitutional mission. MOPD attorneys and staff apply\r\nrigorous legal training, professional judgment,\r\nand practical experience to safeguard the rights of individuals and\r\nfamilies across Maryland. The strength of our representation is enhanced\r\nby the diverse talents, backgrounds, identities, and perspectives of\r\nour workforce, which deepen our capacity to serve the full breadth of the\r\ncommunities we represent.\r\n�\r\n\r\n\r\nLearn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and\r\ninclusion.\r\n

GRADE

ASTD22, ASTD 21, ASTD20\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Baltimore City\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION\r\n\r\nAssistant Public Defenders in the Parental Defense Division are critical thinkers with a demonstrated ability to apply legal analysis in an area of the law that is still evolving. Attorneys must be willing to challenge the system and be persistent in the face of ambiguity or outright resistance to their position. Assistant Public Defenders must be able to handle crises and various personalities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Our attorneys represent parents and/or legal guardians whose children have been removed or are at risk of being removed from their care and custody by the State. The attorney in this position will represent clients in adversarial proceedings from the initial Emergency Shelter Care Hearing to the Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) trial.\r\n�\r\nPRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES\r\n�\r\n● Protect clients’ Constitutional rights to raise and rear their children.\r\n● Defend clients against allegations of neglect and/or abuse.\r\n● Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at every stage of the proceeding.\r\n● Engage in motions practice, legal research, and writing.\r\n● Obtain, organize, and review voluminous records in preparing a defense.\r\n● Develop and maintain client relationships over the extended life of the case.\r\n● Collaborate with PDD social workers, criminal defense attorneys, parent advocates, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.\r\n● Provide client-centered representation, ensuring clients are heard and respected.�\r\n● Be non-judgmental and empathetic towards clients.\r\n● Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.�\r\n● Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.\r\n● Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

\r\nCORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS\r\n�\r\n● Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized\r\ncommunities.��\r\n● Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and\r\nunfairness.\r\n● Compassion and empathy.\r\n● Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with\r\npeople from different backgrounds�and experiences.�\r\n● Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.\r\n● Ability to use technology in order to telework and participate in\r\nvirtual court hearings as necessary.\r\n● Strong organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to\r\nhandle a high caseload with short�deadlines.\r\n● Prior experience in litigation including CINA/TPR, Criminal, Civil,\r\nJuvenile, or Family Law (experience�may include internships, law school clinical programs, or any other\r\nrelevant experience).\r\n● Strong communication and client advocacy skills.\r\n● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of\r\nanother state is required.\r\n�\r\nAttorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland\r\nBar within 18 months of their�start date.\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 (Grade 20: Step 06)\r\nAssistant Public Defender II: starting at $98,840 (Grade 21: Step 08)\r\nAssistant Public Defender III: starting at $109,794 (Grade 22: Step 10)\r\n�\r\nPlease visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit\r\ninformation.\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 law\r\nschool transcript (if graduated within the last three years).\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 effectively with clients and\r\nvisitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work\r\nenvironment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to\r\nvarious courtrooms, office locations, and detention facilities throughout the\r\nstate. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable\r\naccommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services,\r\nprograms, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process\r\nor the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known\r\napplicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the\r\nposition they desire; to\r\nperform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy\r\nequal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly\r\nsituated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an\r\nundue hardship.\r\n�\r\nApplicants must be able to operate a personal computer and other office\r\nequipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to\r\nnavigate public transportation. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please\r\ncontact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or\r\ntawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n