Assistant Public Defender: Mental Health Division
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks a dedicated and zealous litigator to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in the Mental Health Division (MHD). OPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
The Mental Health Division protects and advances the rights of indigent persons with mental illness in civil involuntary commitment proceedings. MHD represents criminal defendants committed to state hospitals pursuant to a finding of not criminally responsible (NCR) at subsequent release hearings. MHD also represents clients before administrative law judges, and in bench trials, jury trials, and appellate hearings throughout the state. OPD strives to achieve
Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the OPD’s mission. Learn more about our
mission and commitment to
diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Overview of the Position
The involuntary civil commitment of an indigent client to a psychiatric hospital is a severe curtailment of liberty that cannot be accomplished without due process of law. An Assistant Public Defender in the MHD combines demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with strong leadership and litigation skills to ensure the highest standard of representation on behalf of all MHD clients. An attorney in this position is expected to work independently in managing an active MHD caseload while simultaneously working in a team-oriented environment focused on a client-centered approach to litigation. Representation of MHD clients includes representation at involuntary commitment and release hearings before administrative law judges; appeals of administrative decisions; and representation at release hearings before judges and juries across the state. The attorney in this position will have an office located in Towson, Maryland but will be providing representation across the State of Maryland. We will consider candidates at all experience levels for this position.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
•Zealous representation of MHD clients at every stage of the process.
•Ability to prepare for and manage an active, fast-paced caseload of administrative, appellate and district and circuit court hearings competently, independently, and resourcefully.
•Ability to communicate effectively with clients suffering from major psychiatric illnesses, family members, team members, medical professionals, law enforcement officers, social workers, community resources, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes and resolve challenges in an open, constructive, and professional manner.
•Continuously seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and advocacy courses.
Training and Qualifications
•Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive advocacy to protect and advance the rights of individuals with mental illness.
•Strong advocacy skills (prior litigation experience -including jury trial experience-strongly preferred).
•Exposure to mental health issues in civil or criminal cases (knowledge of DSMV preferred).
•Ability to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds and lived experiences.
•Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
•Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
•Active membership in good standing within the Maryland Bar or bar of another state by start date.
] Individuals who are members of the bar of another state must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of 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.
- 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-$127,637.00 (Grade 22: Step 6-Step 22)
