ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I (RE-POST)

JobAps; Hagerstown, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in District XI (Frederick and Washington Counties). The home base will be Washington County district court, with potential rotation to Frederick.

Provide compassionate, client-centered representation and advocate to address systemic inequity. Candidates must be admitted to Maryland Bar in good standing, demonstrate trial skills, and thrive in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• Commitment to serving marginalized communities.
• Dedication to upending systemic racism and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
• Ability to work with diverse clients and teammates.
• Willingness to travel to various courtrooms and facilities throughout the state.

Responsibilities

• Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the criminal process.
• Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
• Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents for trial preparation and problem resolution.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Community service commitment

Diversity and equity focus

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Organizational skills

Advocacy skills

Education

Maryland Bar in good standing

Bar admission in another state

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks
experienced and zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders
in District XI which serves Frederick and Washington Counties. Assistant
Public Defenders combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong
and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on
behalf of their clients. MOPD is committed to building a culturally
diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in
the practice of law to apply.
District XI is a busy rural public
defender office with a combined total of approximately 30+ employees serving
Frederick and Washington Counties providing client-centered representation to
juveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies. 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.
MOPD’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,
and tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our
mission. At MOPD 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 background, and perspectives guide us in representing our
clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in
all of the spaces we occupy. MOPD seeks candidates who 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.

GRADE

ASTD20

LOCATION OF POSITION

81 W Washington St, Hagerstown, MD 21740

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

This position requires a willingness to learn, train, and practice exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work as a team in managing an active district court caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, 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. The position’s home base will be in Washington County district court. Attorneys may be required to rotate between the district courts in Frederick and Washington County depending on operational need.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the criminal process.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.
• 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 their start date with MOPD.

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Assistant Public Defender I-$88,999.00 (Starting at Grade 20: Step 06)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16- 203(d)(2).

As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmativeaction 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, office environments, and detention facilities 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 navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or [e-mail].