ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY: DISTRICT I: BALTIMORE CITY (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 Baltimore\r\nCity, Maryland. Assistant Public Defenders combine their�demonstrated\r\ncommitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional�representation\r\non behalf of their clients. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse\r\nstaff and�strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the\r\npractice of law to apply.\r\n�\r\nThe Baltimore City office is a large urban Public Defender office with\r\n200+ employees providing client-centered representation. MOPD’s vision is for\r\nJustice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed�to our core\r\nvalues of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and\r\ntenacious advocacy, and�remain united as a team in achieving our mission.\r\nAt MOPD we use our legal education and experience�to fight for justice and\r\nfairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of\r\nhuman�suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds,\r\nand perspectives guide us in�representing our clients. We stand up against\r\nprejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces�we occupy.\r\nMOPD seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent,\r\nzealous,�and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn\r\nmore about our mission and commitment to�diversity, equity, and inclusion.\r\n\r\n

GRADE

ASTD20\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Baltimore, MD\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:\r\n\r\n\r\nThis position requires a\r\nwillingness to learn, train�and practice exceptional trial skills,\r\ninnovative thinking,�investigative skills, and the ability to work as a team in\r\nmanaging an active district court caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with\r\nsocial workers, 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 that\r\nlead to deeper system involvement. Positions are available in Baltimore City\r\ndistrict courts. Attorneys may be required to rotate between the district\r\ncourts depending on need.\r\n\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 and�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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CORE COMPETENCIES AND\r\nREQUIREMENTS:\r\n�\r\n● Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been\r\npushed to the margins.\r\n● Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and\r\nunfairness in the criminal justice system.\r\n● Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate\r\neffectively with people from different�backgrounds and lived experiences.\r\n● Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented\r\nenvironment.\r\n● Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills\r\nnecessary to handle a high caseload.\r\n● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of\r\nanother state.�\r\n�\r\n\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

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 review benefit\r\ninformation.\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\r\nin this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-\r\n203(d)(2).\r\n�\r\nAs a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is\r\nan affirmative action and equal\r\nopportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all\r\nqualified individuals without regard to�race, color, religion, sex,\r\nphysical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity,\r\nnational�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