Experienced Attorneys (Positions Across the State of Maryland)
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve in locations throughout the State of Maryland. The positions require exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active felony caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
OPD’s 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.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Represents clients in legal matters, to include bail hearings, motions hearings, trials and appeals in felony cases.
- Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
- Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents in preparation of trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
- Drafts and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions, correspondence, and appeals for clients.
- Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
- Counsels and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
- Negotiates with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.
- Provides post-representation follow-up with the client regarding matters such as client release, and other appropriate collateral issues.
- Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.
- Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
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.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people from 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.
- Criminal trial experience required. Felony jury trial experience (experience handling complex criminal jury trials where clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) preferred.
- Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state.[1]
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- $72,340.00-$112,091.00 (Grade 20: Step 2- Step 22)
Assistant Public Defender II- $83,263.00- $119,591.00 (Grade 21: Step 4- Step 22)
Assistant Public Defender III- $94,113.00-127,263.00 (Grade 22: Step 6- Step 22)
[1] Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of start date.
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Position: |
Experienced Attorneys (Positions Across the State of Maryland) |
| Organization: |
Maryland Office of the Public Defender |
| Location: |
Baltimore, MD
United States
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| Salary: |
Dependent on Experience |
| Posting Start Date: |
12/30/2022 |
| Date Posted: |
2/21/2023 |
| Requirements |
If you wish to be considered for this position please click here to fill out the application and please submit the following items in one PDF attachment to opd-jobs.law@maryland.gov: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter, (3) a list of four references, and (4) writing sample (required only for attorneys with 3+ years of experience pursuing a felony position). In the subject line of the email please indicate “Application for Experienced Attorneys.” Incomplete applications will not be considered.
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d). Assistant Public Defenders cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.
As a State agency, Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.
All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
Applicants must be able to work in various positions, and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state.
OPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship.
Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov |
| Status: |
This listing expires on: 5/22/2023 |
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