Entry-Level Public Defender Attorney

MD; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 88,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary details

Employee benefits

Job summary

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in District X, covering Howard and Carroll Counties. The role demands zealous representation, team collaboration, and commitment to equity and client-centered advocacy.

Assistant Public Defenders are State employees with a starting salary of $88,999 and benefits. Candidates must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months if barred elsewhere.

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.

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.

Skills

Community service

Anti-racism commitment

Interpersonal skills

Team-oriented

Organizational skills

Maryland Bar admission

Job description

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in District X, covering Howard and Carroll Counties. The role demands zealous representation, team collaboration, and commitment to equity and client-centered advocacy.

Assistant Public Defenders are State employees with a starting salary of $88,999 and benefits. Candidates must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months if barred elsewhere.