EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY (DISTRICT V) (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II & III)

Introduction

\r\nThe Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced\r\nand zealous litigator�to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in Prince\r\nGeorge’s County, Maryland. The attorney in�this position will combine\r\ntheir demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous�litigation\r\nskills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. We\r\nare�committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly\r\nencourage people historically�underrepresented in the practice of law to\r\napply.\r\n�\r\nThe Prince George’s office is a large urban public defender’s office with\r\napproximately 65+�attorneys and staff. MOPD’s vision is for Justice,\r\nFairness, and Dignity for All. We are�committed to our core values of a\r\nculture of excellence, client-centered representation, and�tenacious\r\nadvocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD we\r\nuse�our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness,\r\nno matter what and we refuse�to remain silent in the midst of human\r\nsuffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and\r\nperspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up\r\nagainst�prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we\r\noccupy. MOPD seeks candidates�who will join us in providing compassionate,\r\ncompetent, zealous, and client-centered�representation to all of our\r\nclients. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity,�equity,\r\nand inclusion.\r\n\r\n

GRADE

ASTD22, ASTD21\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

14735 Main St., Upper\r\nMarlboro, MD�\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

\r\nOVERVIEW:\r\n�\r\nThe position requires exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking,\r\ninvestigative skills, and the�ability to work independently in managing an\r\nactive felony caseload. Prince George’s County�attorneys practice vertical\r\nrepresentation, in which an attorney who is initially assigned to a�client\r\ncontinuously represents that client until the case is completed. Attorneys work\r\nin�conjunction with social workers, investigators, experts, and core staff\r\nin a team-oriented�environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a\r\nclient-centered approach to representation with�advocacy to address\r\nsystemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement.\r\nPrince George’s County boasts a very vibrant and exciting variety of case\r\ntypes.�This position also presents opportunities for attorneys to\r\nparticipate in community events to�promote the mission of MOPD while\r\nensuring that our clients’ voices are amplified even outside�of the\r\ncourtrooms. 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\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 caseload.\r\n● Continuously seek professional development by attending various\r\ntraining sessions.\r\n● Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.\r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:\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\r\nbackgrounds and 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 life sentence) jury trial experience\r\nis�preferred.\r\n● Active membership in good\r\nstanding in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state.\r\n�\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAttorneys barred in another\r\nstate must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18�months of their\r\nstart 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 $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

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 submit the following�items in one PDF attachment through\r\nthe Maryland State Government Job Openings Resume�Page: (1) a current\r\nresume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four references, and (4) writing\r\nsample.�\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 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,\r\nand�activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or\r\nthe job or work�environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known\r\napplicant or employee to�enable the applicant or employee be considered\r\nfor the position they desire; to perform the�essential functions of the\r\nposition in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges\r\nof�employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without\r\ndisabilities,�unless 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\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