ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY: DISTRICT X: HOWARD & CARROLL COUNTIES (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I)

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and\r\nzealous litigators to serve as\r\nAssistant Public Defenders in District X which serves Howard and Carroll\r\nCounties. Assistant Public Defenders combine their demonstrated commitment with\r\ntheir strong and zealous litigation skills to�provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. MOPD is\r\ncommitted to building a culturally�diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically\r\nunderrepresented in the practice of law to apply.\r\n�\r\nDistrict X is a busy rural public defender office with a combined total\r\nof approximately 30+ employees�serving Howard and Carroll Counties providing client-centered\r\nrepresentation to juveniles and adults�charged with misdemeanors and felonies. OPD strives to achieve Justice,\r\nFairness, and Dignity for All.�Our employees are committed to the core values of a culture of\r\nexcellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united\r\nas a team in achieving the OPD’s mission.�\r\n\r\n\r\nMOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are\r\ncommitted to our core values of a�culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious\r\nadvocacy, and remain united as 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 remain silent in the midst\r\nof human suffering. Our unique�talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us\r\nin representing our clients. We�stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the\r\nspaces we occupy. MOPD seeks�candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent,\r\nzealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more\r\nabout our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.\r\n

GRADE

ASTD20\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Howard & Carroll County\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW 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 workers, investigators, and\r\ncore staff in a team-oriented�environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach\r\nto representation with�advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences\r\nthat lead to deeper system�involvement.\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 preparation for trial and to determine/\r\nanticipate 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\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\r\nexperiences.\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\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

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\r\nhere to fill out the application and upload the\r\nfollowing documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State\r\nGovernment Job\r\nOpenings Resume Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a\r\nlist of four professional\r\nreferences, and (4) a writing 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\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, physical or mental disability, age, sexual\r\norientation, gender 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. Applicants must be able to work\r\nin various positions and travel to�various courtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities\r\nthroughout the state. MOPD is further�committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for\r\nindividuals with disabilities�in employment, its services, programs, and activities by modifying or\r\nadjusting the job application process�or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the\r\nknown applicant or employee�to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they\r\ndesire; to perform the essential�functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and\r\nprivileges of employment as are�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 office equipment.\r\nApplicants must have access�to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a\r\nreasonable accommodation is needed,�please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at\r\n410-767-8503 or�tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n