EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: DISTRICT VIII (BALTIMORE COUNTY) (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II & III)

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has multiple openings\r\nfor experienced and zealous�litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in our District VIII\r\nBaltimore County office. The Baltimore�County office is an urban public defender’s office with approximately 70\r\nemployees providing client-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanors and\r\nfelonies in Baltimore County. The�attorney in this position will combine their demonstrated commitment with\r\ntheir strong and zealous�litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of\r\ntheir clients. We are committed to�building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people\r\nhistorically 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 of human suffering. Our unique\r\ntalents, identities, educational�backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We\r\nstand up against prejudice,�systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. MOPD seeks\r\ncandidates who will join us in�providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered\r\nrepresentation to all of our clients.�Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and\r\ninclusion.\r\n

GRADE

ASTD22; ASTD21\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Towson, MD\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 felony caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators,\r\nexperts, and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able\r\nto balance a client-entered approach to representation with advocacy to\r\naddress systemic inequity and the collateral��consequences that lead\r\nto deeper system involvement. Positions are available in Towson,\r\nMaryland. Attorneys should be available to start within one month after\r\nreceiving an 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 resolutions.\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�\r\nfavorably for the client.\r\n● Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.\r\n● Continuously seek professional development by attending various\r\ntraining sessions.\r\n\r\n\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\r\nserving communities who have been pushed to the margins.\r\n● Excellent research, writing,\r\nand oral advocacy skills.\r\n● Clear dedication to upending\r\nsystemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system.\r\n● Strong interpersonal skills\r\nand the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds\r\nand lived experiences.\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● Criminal jury trial\r\nexperience required. Felony (cases involving complex issues and/or where\r\nclients are�facing the possibility of a\r\nlife sentence) jury trial experience is preferred.\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 II- starting at $98,840.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)\r\nAssistant Public Defender III- starting at $109,794.00 (Grade 22: Step\r\n10)\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 here to fill out the\r\napplication and upload the following�documents in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab of the Maryland\r\nState Government Job�Openings: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four\r\nprofessional references, 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 Procedure 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�\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