EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: PARENTAL DEFENSE DIVISION (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II & III)

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a zealous and\r\ndedicated advocate to�serve as an Assistant Public Defender in our\r\nParental Defense Division (PDD). The Parental�Defense Division protects\r\nand advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians in Child in�Need\r\nof Assistance/Termination of Parental Rights (CINA/TPR) proceedings. MOPD\r\nis�committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly\r\nencourages people historically�underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Maryland Office of the Public Defender is committed to advancing\r\nJustice, Fairness, and Dignity for�All. Our work is guided by core\r\ninstitutional values that promote a culture of excellence,\r\nclient-centered�representation, principled and tenacious advocacy, and\r\nunity of purpose in fulfilling our constitutional�mission. MOPD attorneys\r\nand staff apply rigorous legal training, professional judgment,\r\nand�practical experience to safeguard the rights of individuals and\r\nfamilies across Maryland. The�strength of our representation is enhanced\r\nby the diverse talents, backgrounds, identities, and�perspectives of our\r\nworkforce, which deepen our capacity to serve the full breadth of\r\nthe�communities we represent.\r\n�\r\nLearn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and\r\ninclusion.\r\n

GRADE

ASTD22; ASTD21\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Baltimore, MD\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION\r\n�\r\nAssistant Public Defenders in the Parental Defense Division are critical\r\nthinkers with a�demonstrated ability to apply legal analysis in an area of\r\nthe law that is still evolving. Attorneys�must be willing to challenge the\r\nsystem and be persistent in the face of ambiguity or outright�resistance\r\nto their position. Assistant Public Defenders must be able to handle crises and\r\nvarious�personalities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Our\r\nattorneys represent parents and/or�legal guardians whose children have\r\nbeen removed or are at risk of being removed from their�care and custody\r\nby the State. The attorney in this position will represent clients in\r\nadversarial proceedings from the initial Emergency Shelter Care Hearing to the\r\nTermination of Parental�Rights (TPR) trial.\r\n\r\nPRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES\r\n\r\n\r\n● Protect clients’ Constitutional rights to raise and rear their\r\nchildren.\r\n● Defend clients against allegations of neglect and/or abuse.\r\n● Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at every\r\nstage of the�proceeding.\r\n● Engage in motions practice, legal research, and writing.\r\n● Obtain, organize, and review voluminous records in preparing a defense.\r\n● Develop and maintain client relationships over the extended life of the\r\ncase.\r\n● Collaborate with PDD social workers, criminal defense attorneys, parent\r\nadvocates, and�others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.\r\n● Provide client-centered representation, ensuring clients are heard and\r\nrespected.�\r\n● Be non-judgmental of and empathetic towards clients.\r\n● Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues,\r\nand service providers�to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.�\r\n● Continuously seek professional and personal development through\r\ntraining, continuing legal�education, 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 marginalized\r\ncommunities.��\r\n● Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and\r\nunfairness.\r\n● Compassion and empathy.\r\n● Strong interpersonal\r\nskills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences.�\r\n● Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.\r\n● Ability to use technology in order to telework and participate in\r\nvirtual court hearings as necessary.\r\n● Strong organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to\r\nhandle a high caseload with short deadlines.\r\n● Prior experience in\r\nlitigation including CINA/TPR, Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, or Family Law (experience may include internships, law school clinical programs, or any\r\nother relevant experience).\r\n● Strong communication and client advocacy skills.\r\n● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of\r\nanother state is required.\r\n�\r\nAttorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland\r\nBar within 18�months of their start date.\r\n

BENEFITS

\r\n\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

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\r\nthe Maryland State Government Job Openings Resume Page: (1) a current resume,\r\n(2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, and (4) a law\r\nschool transcript (if graduated within the last three years).\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\r\nArt., 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 the\r\nfull inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color,\r\nreligion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender\r\nidentity, 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.\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 services, programs,\r\nand activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job\r\nor work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or\r\nemployee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position\r\nthey desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or\r\nto enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other\r\nsimilarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation\r\nimposes 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\r\ntransportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda\r\nJackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or\r\ntawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n