ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I (RE-POST)

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks\r\nexperienced and zealous litigators to�serve as Assistant Public Defenders\r\nin District XI which serves Frederick and Washington Counties. Assistant\r\nPublic�Defenders combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong\r\nand zealous litigation skills�to provide exceptional representation on\r\nbehalf of their clients. MOPD is committed to building�a culturally\r\ndiverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in\r\nthe�practice of law to apply.\r\n�\r\nDistrict XI is a busy rural public\r\ndefender office with a combined total of approximately 30+ employees serving\r\nFrederick and Washington Counties providing client-centered representation to\r\njuveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies. OPD strives to\r\nachieve Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our employees are\r\ncommitted to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered\r\nrepresentation, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the\r\nOPD’s mission.�\r\n�\r\n�MOPD’s vision is\r\nfor Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are�committed to our\r\ncore values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation,\r\nand�tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our\r\nmission. At MOPD we use our�legal education and experience to fight for\r\njustice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the\r\nmidst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities,\r\neducational�backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our\r\nclients. 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\r\nclient-centered�representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our\r\nmission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.\r\n

GRADE

ASTD20

LOCATION OF POSITION

81 W Washington St, Hagerstown, MD 21740\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:\r\n\r\n\r\nThis position requires a willingness to learn, train, and practice exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work as a team in managing an active district court caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. The position’s home base will be in Washington County district court. Attorneys may be required to rotate between the district courts in Frederick and Washington County depending on operational need.�\r\n\r\n\r\nDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:\r\n\r\n\r\n● Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the criminal process.�\r\n● Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.\r\n● 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.\r\n● Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.�\r\n● Counsels and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.�\r\n● Negotiates with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.\r\n● Resourcefully manage a full caseload.�\r\n● Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.�\r\n● Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:\r\n�\r\n● Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have\r\nbeen pushed to the margins.\r\n● Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice,\r\nand unfairness in the criminal justice system.\r\n● Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to\r\ncommunicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived\r\nexperiences.\r\n● Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse,\r\nteam-oriented environment.\r\n● Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative\r\nskills necessary to handle a high caseload.\r\n● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar\r\nor Bar of another state.�\r\n�\r\n\r\n\r\nAttorneys barred in another state must become members\r\nof the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with MOPD.\r\n

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS:\r\n�\r\nSalary is dependent on experience and salary rules will\r\napply to State of Maryland employees.\r\nThis would be a lateral transfer for any internal\r\ncandidates applying.\r\n�\r\nAssistant Public Defender I-$88,999.00 (Starting at Grade\r\n20: Step 06)\r\n�\r\nPlease visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to\r\nreview benefit information.\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO APPLY:\r\n�\r\nIf you wish to be considered,\r\nplease click here to fill out the application and upload the\r\nfollowing�documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State\r\nGovernment Job Openings�Resume Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover\r\nletter, (3) a list of four professional references,�and (4) a writing\r\nsample 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\r\ncannot engage in the private�practice of law while in this position. MD\r\nCode, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-�203(d)(2).\r\n�\r\nAs a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public\r\nDefender (MOPD) is an affirmative�action and equal opportunity employer.\r\nMOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all�qualified individuals\r\nwithout regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or\r\nmental�disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national\r\norigin, veteran status, or genetic information.\r\n�\r\nAll applicants must be able to communicate with clients\r\nand visitors and possess the ability�to complete tasks in a fast-paced\r\nwork environment. Applicants must be able to work in�various positions and\r\ntravel to various courtrooms, office environments, and\r\ndetention�facilities throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to\r\nproviding equal opportunity�and reasonable accommodation for individuals\r\nwith disabilities in employment, its services,�programs, and activities by\r\nmodifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or�work\r\nenvironment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant\r\nor�employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the\r\nposition they desire; to�perform the essential functions of the position\r\nin question; or to enjoy equal benefits and�privileges of employment as\r\nare enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without�disabilities,\r\nunless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship.�\r\n�\r\nApplicants must be able to operate a computer and other\r\noffice equipment. Applicants�must have access to a motor vehicle or be\r\nable to navigate public transportation. If a�reasonable accommodation is\r\nneeded, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources�Supervisor, at\r\n410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n