Assistant Public Defenders: District III (Upper Eastern Shore)
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks dynamic, dedicated, and client-centered litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in our Upper Eastern Shore office (serving Talbot, Caroline, Kent, Cecil, and Queen Anne’s Counties). An Assistant Public Defender combines their demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with their strong litigation skills to provide exceptional representation. Assistant Public Defenders are expected to work independently in managing an active caseload while simultaneously working in a team-oriented environment focused on a client-centered approach to advocacy.
OPD is seeking to fill positions in our Talbot County and Kent/Queen Anne’s County offices. District Three attorneys are generally assigned to one specific office in the district but must remain flexible to provide coverage to the other counties within District III. OPD will consider candidates at all experience levels for this position.
Our vision is for
Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. At OPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. OPD seeks candidates that will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our
mission and commitment to
diversity, equity, and inclusion.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
•Passionate and zealous representation of clients charged with criminal and traffic matters at every stage of the criminal process including but not limited to: bail review proceedings, bench or jury trials, violation of probation hearings, and modification of sentence hearings.
•Ability to competently and resourcefully prepare for and manage an active caseload.
•Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
•Continuously seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
•Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees. Please visit the
State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.
- Assistant Public Defender I- $62,343.00-$84,413.00 (Step 1-Step 11)
- Assistant Public Defender II-$69,069.00-$90,802.00 (Step 1-Step 11)
- Assistant Public Defender III- $73,714.00-$96,084.00 (Step 1-Step 11)
CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:
•Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
•Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
•Compassion.
•Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people with different backgrounds and lived experiences.
•Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
•Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
•Some criminal trial experience or exposure is preferred.
•Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of start date.
