Assistant Public Defender
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks dedicated and client-centered litigators for its Fall Class 2023 to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in District Court locations throughout the State of Maryland. OPD provides superior representation to indigent defendants 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. 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. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Overview of the Position:
Assistant Public Defender combines their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. Candidates with limited/moderate amount of criminal trial experience interested in joining OPD to do criminal trial work are invited to apply. Offers will be made for specific jurisdictions based on OPD’s needs and the candidate’s stated geographic limitations and preferences. Successful candidates for these positions will begin their employment with OPD August 09, 2023.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Zealous representation of indigent defendants charged with misdemeanor criminal and traffic matters.
- Ability to competently and resourcefully prepare for and manage an active caseload; including, but not limited to the handling of bail review hearings, District Court trials, preliminary hearings, violation of probation hearings, and modification of sentence hearings.
- Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and providers for optimal client outcomes.
- Continuously seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, 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.
- Compassion.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
- Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
- Exposure to the proceedings and pace of the District Court (litigation experience or judicial clerkship helpful).
- All offers will be contingent on membership in good standing with the bar in advance of the scheduled start date (unfortunately, this means most third-year law students are not eligible). Non-Maryland attorneys must commit to becoming a member of the MD bar within 18 months of their 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-$112,091.00 (Step 2-Step 22)
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Position: |
Assistant Public Defender |
| Organization: |
Maryland Office of the Public Defender |
| Location: |
Baltimore, MD
United States
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| Salary: |
Dependent on Experience |
| Posting Start Date: |
5/2/2023 |
| Date Posted: |
5/2/2023 |
| Requirements |
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) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four references, and (4) a law school transcript (if within 3 years of graduation). In the subject line of the email please indicate “Application for Fall Class 2023.” Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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, the 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. MOPD 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: 7/31/2023 |
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