Position Information

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve in locations throughout the State of Maryland. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
 
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is a statewide agency that provides superior representation to indigent clients at all stages of the criminal case including trial, appeal, and eligible post-conviction proceedings. Representation is provided through offices and services at 52 locations statewide with a workforce of approximately 1000 employees. At MOPD, we use our legal education and expertise to fight for justice and fairness, as tenacious advocates we refuse to remain silent amid human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in providing superior representation to our clients. We stand firm against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all communities and spaces.
 
MOPD’s mission focuses on Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and function as a team united in achieving MOPD’s mission.  Learn more about the mission, public defense and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
 
Overview:
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.
 
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represents clients in legal matters, including 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 for 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.
• Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

 
Core Competencies and Requirements:

• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• 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) 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 the start date.

 
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.  This would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying for a transfer.
Assistant Public Defender I- $84,225.00-$107,833.00 (Grade 20: Step 06- Step 19)
Assistant Public Defender II- $93,424.00-$115,048.00 (Grade 21: Step 08- Step 19)
Assistant Public Defender III- $103,514.00-122,774.00 (Grade 22: Step 10- Step 19)