EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: DISTRICT III: UPPER EASTERN SHORE (Assistant Public Defender II & III)

Introduction

\r\nThe Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has an opening for\r\nexperienced and zealous litigator to serve as Assistant Public Defenders\r\nin District III: Upper Eastern Shore that serves Talbot, Caroline, Kent,\r\nCecil, and Queen Anne’s counties. District Three attorneys are generally\r\nassigned to one specific office in the district but must remain flexible to\r\nprovide coverage to the other counties within District III. The attorney in\r\nthis position will combine their�demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills\r\nto provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. We are\r\ncommitted to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage\r\npeople historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.\r\n�\r\nAt MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice\r\nand fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst\r\nof human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational\r\nbackgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients.\r\nWe 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\r\ncompassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of\r\nour clients. Learn more about our mission and commitment to\r\ndiversity, equity, and inclusion.\r\n\r\n

GRADE

ASTD22; ASTD21\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Talbot, Caroline, Kent, Cecil,\r\nand Queen Anne’s\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:�\r\n�\r\nThe positions require exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking,\r\ninvestigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an\r\nactive mixture of both felony and misdemeanor caseloads. Attorneys work in\r\nconjunction with social workers, investigators, experts, and core staff in a\r\nteam-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered\r\napproach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the\r\ncollateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. Office\r\nplacements will be determined by the needs of District III at the time of\r\noffer. Attorneys should be available to start within one month after receiving\r\nan offer.�\r\n�\r\nDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:�\r\n�\r\n● Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including bail\r\nhearings, motions hearings, and trial, and post-trial hearings.�\r\n● Ensures 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\r\nresolutions.�\r\n● Drafts and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions,\r\nand correspondence for clients.�\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, judges, and other stakeholders to\r\nestablish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.�\r\n● Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full\r\ncaseload.�\r\n● Continuously seek professional development by attending various\r\ntraining sessions.�\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● Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.\r\n● Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and\r\nunfairness in the criminal legal 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● Criminal jury trial experience required. Felony (cases involving\r\ncomplex issues and/or where clients are facing the possibility of a life\r\nsentence) jury trial experience is preferred.\r\n● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of\r\nanother state.\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 II- starting at $97,190.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)\r\nAssistant Public Defender III- starting at $107,687.00 (Grade 22: Step\r\n10)\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 Resume Tab of the Maryland State Government Job Openings: (1)\r\na current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list 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 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\r\norientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or\r\ngenetic 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\r\nstate. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and\r\nreasonable accommodation 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 essential\r\nfunctions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits\r\nand privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated\r\nemployees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue\r\nhardship.\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 or\r\ntawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n\r\n