EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: POST CONVICTION DEFENDERS DIVISION (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER III)

Introduction

\r\nThe Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced,\r\nzealous, and�dedicated attorney to serve as Assistant Public Defender in\r\nthe MOPD’s Post Conviction�Defenders Division. MOPD is committed to\r\nbuilding a culturally diverse staff and strongly�encourages people\r\nhistorically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.\r\n�\r\nThe Post Conviction Defenders Division is dedicated to ensuring fairness\r\nin criminal convictions�and protecting the integrity of our criminal\r\njustice system. This division represents indigent�inmates at\r\npost-conviction proceedings throughout the state of Maryland. MOPD strives\r\nto�achieve Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our employees are\r\ncommitted to the core values�of a culture of excellence, client-centered\r\nrepresentation, and tenacious advocacy, and are united�as a team in\r\nachieving the MOPD’s mission. Learn more about our mission and commitment\r\nto�diversity, equity, and inclusion.\r\n\r\n

GRADE

ASTD22\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Baltimore, MD\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:\r\n�\r\nThe attorney in this position is responsible for ensuring zealous\r\nrepresentation of indigent defendants in collateral attacks on convictions. The\r\nsuccessful candidate will combine their demonstrated dedication to the\r\nrepresentation of indigent clients with their strong litigation skills to\r\nprovide exceptional representation in post conviction and other related\r\nproceedings. Post Conviction Defenders are expected to work independently in\r\nmanaging active caseloads while simultaneously working in a team-oriented\r\nenvironment focused on a client-centered approach to representation. This\r\nposition requires travel throughout the state of Maryland. However, the office\r\nis located in Baltimore, Maryland.\r\n�\r\nPRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:\r\n�\r\n● Passionate and zealous representation of clients in post-conviction\r\nproceedings including, but not limited to conducting extensive legal research,\r\nwriting persuasive legal briefs, interviewing potential witnesses, preparing\r\nfor hearings, conducting effective direct and cross-examinations, and\r\nnegotiating alternative resolutions.\r\n�\r\n● Lead and support special projects from concept through execution,\r\nincluding research, planning, and coordination across teams.\r\n�\r\n● Monitor, analyze, and engage with legislative and policy developments\r\nrelevant to the office’s priorities.\r\n�\r\n● Draft briefings, memos, reports, and correspondence related to\r\nlegislative initiatives and special projects.\r\n�\r\n● Effectively and compassionately communicate with incarcerated clients,\r\ntheir families, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes\r\nfor clients.�\r\n�\r\n● Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.\r\n�\r\n● Continuously seek professional and personal development through\r\ntraining, continuing legal education, trial skills courses, and keeping\r\napprised of new and relevant case law.\r\n�\r\n● Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

\r\n\r\nTRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS:\r\n�\r\n● Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to\r\nthe margins.�\r\n● Clear dedication to\r\nupending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal�justice system.\r\n● Compassion.\r\n● Strong interpersonal\r\nskills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different�backgrounds and experiences.�\r\n● Excellent research, written and oral advocacy.\r\n● Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.\r\n● Exceptional\r\norganizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to manage an active�heavy caseload.\r\n● Judicial law clerk experience and/or post-conviction\r\nexposure/litigation experience preferred.\r\n● Active membership in good standing with the State of Maryland Bar or\r\nBar of another state.\r\n�\r\nAttorneys barred in another state must\r\nbecome members of the Maryland bar within 18�months\r\nof the start date.\r\n\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 III- starting at $107,687 (Grade 22: Step 10)\r\n�\r\nPlease visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit\r\ninformation.\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO APPLY:\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the\r\napplication and submit the following items in one PDF attachment through the\r\nResume Tab: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter addressing the above\r\nqualifications, (3) a list of four professional references, (4) a persuasive writing\r\nsample, not a judicial opinion, and (5) law school transcript (if within 3\r\nyears of graduation). \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 and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further\r\ncommitted to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for\r\nindividuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities\r\nby modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work\r\nenvironment 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 then essential functions of the position in question;\r\nor to 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