ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY : HARFORD COUNTY (DISTRICT IX) (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I)

Maryland AG; Bel Air (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is seeking experienced litigators to join the Harford County office as Assistant Public Defenders. This role emphasizes zealous, client-centered representation across all stages of criminal proceedings, collaborating with social workers and investigators to manage a busy district court caseload.

Candidates should be committed to equity, ready to learn, and capable of working in a team-based environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in trial representation and advocacy
• Ability to conduct legal research and analyze case law
• Strong written and verbal communication across diverse communities
• Commitment to addressing systemic inequity in justice system

Responsibilities

• Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the criminal process, including trial, bail review, probation violations, and hearings.
• Ensure clients are heard and respected.
• Conduct legal research on laws, procedures, and precedents and prepare for trial.
• Communicate effectively with clients, team members, and service providers to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Counsel clients on changes in law and court decisions; negotiate with prosecutors for favorable resolutions.
• Manage a full caseload and pursue ongoing professional development.

Skills

Zealous advocacy

Client-centered representation

Team collaboration

Legal research

Communication skills

Education

Active Maryland Bar

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in Harford County, Maryland. 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. The Harford County office is a busy rural public defender office with approximately 30+ attorneys and staff. 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

2 South Bond Street, Suite 203, Bel Air, MD 21014

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. Positions are available in Harford County district court.

OPD will consider applications for candidates who have taken the July Maryland Bar examination and are pending results.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the criminal process including at trial, bail review, violation of probation, and modification hearings, and at other critical stages of litigation.
• Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
• Conduct 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.
• Counsel and advise clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
• Negotiate 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

• 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.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

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 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, 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 to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or [e-mail].