Entry Level Attorney: District X: Howard & Carroll Counties

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 80,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Maryland invites experienced litigators to join the Maryland Office of the Public Defender as Assistant Public Defenders in District X, serving Howard & Carroll Counties. You will combine zealous advocacy with a client-centered approach in a busy district court caseload, collaborating with social workers and investigators to address systemic inequities in the criminal justice system.

You will conduct legal research, communicate clearly with clients and team members, and continuously

Qualifications

• Commitment to serving communities on the margins.
• Dedication to addressing systemic racism and inequity in justice.
• Strong interpersonal skills with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Excellent organizational, legal, and administrative skills for high caseloads.

Responsibilities

• Passionate and zealous representation of clients at all stages of the criminal process.
• Ensure clients are heard and respected.
• Conduct legal research and analysis for trial preparation.
• Communicate effectively with clients, team members, and service providers.
• Counsel clients on changes in law and court decisions.
• Negotiate with prosecutors to resolve cases favorably.
• Resourcefully manage a full caseload.
• Pursue ongoing professional development through trainings and CLEs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

Skills

Zealous advocacy

Team collaboration

Legal research

Communication skills

Organization

Education

Maryland Bar admission

Active out-of-state bar (eligible)

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve as

Assistant Public Defenders in District X which serves Howard and Carroll 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 X is a busy rural public defender office with a combined total of approximately 30+ employees serving Howard and Carroll 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 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. 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

Howard & Carroll County

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.

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:

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees.

This would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.

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.