Experience Attny: District 3 Upper Eastern Shore

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Maryland; On-site; USD 97,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has an opening for an experienced litigator to serve as Assistant Public Defender in District III: Upper Eastern Shore, covering Talbot, Caroline, Kent, Cecil, and Queen Anne’s counties. This role requires exceptional trial skills, investigative abilities, and the capacity to work independently within a team.

Attorneys collaborate with social workers, investigators, and experts to provide zealous, client-centered representation while addressing

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney in Maryland with criminal defense experience.
• Strong trial advocacy and analytical abilities.
• Commitment to justice, equity, and client-centered representation.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, including bail and trial.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, briefs, and motions.
• Communicate effectively with clients and teams to achieve favorable outcomes.
• Counsels clients on law changes and case strategy; negotiate with prosecutors.
• Manage a full caseload independently while pursuing professional development.

Skills

Trial Litigation

Investigative skills

Independent work

Legal research

Client communication

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Position Description

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has an opening for experienced and zealous litigator to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in District III: Upper Eastern Shore that serves Talbot, Caroline, Kent, Cecil, and Queen Anne’s counties. District Three attorneys are generally assigned to one specific office in the district but must remain flexible to provide coverage to the other counties within District III. The attorney in this position will combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. 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.

Overview Of The Position

The positions require exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active mixture of both felony and misdemeanor caseloads. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, experts, 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. Office placements will be determined by the needs of District III at the time of offer. Attorneys should be available to start within one month after receiving an offer.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including bail hearings, motions hearings, and trial and post-trial hearings.
• Ensures 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.
• Drafts and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions, and correspondence for clients.
• 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, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.
• Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.
• Continuously seek professional development by attending various training sessions.
• Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

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 II- starting at $97,190.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)
• Assistant Public Defender III- starting at $107,687.00 (Grade 22: Step 10)
• Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.