Experienced Attorney: Frederick & Washington Counties

State of Maryland; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 99,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in District XI, covering Frederick and Washington Counties. The role requires zeal, strong advocacy, and commitment to client-centered representation in all stages of criminal cases.

Candidates must have Maryland Bar admission or be willing to join within 18 months; felony jury trial experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities historically underserved.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills to handle a high caseload.
• Criminal jury trial experience required; felony jury trial experience preferred.
• Active Maryland Bar membership or eligibility and plan to join Maryland Bar within 18 months.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in all stages of the criminal case including bail hearings, motions hearings, and trial, and post-trial hearings.
• Ensure clients are heard and respected.
• Conduct legal research and analysis for trial preparation and problem resolution.
• Draft reports, memoranda, briefs, motions, and correspondence for clients.
• Communicate with clients, team members, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Counsel clients on changes in law and court decisions; advise on legal issues.
• Negotiate with prosecutors, judges, and stakeholders to resolve cases favorably.
• Manage a full caseload competently and independently.
• Pursue ongoing professional development through trainings.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Jury trial experience

Bar admission

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. 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.

GRADE

ASTD21; ASTD22

LOCATION OF POSITION

FREDERICK & WASHINGTON COUNTIES

Main Purpose of Job

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal 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.
• Criminal jury trial experience required. Felony (cases involving complex issues and/or where clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) jury trial experience is preferred.
• 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 II- starting at $98,840.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)

Assistant Public Defender III- $109,794.00 (Grade 22: Step 10)

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

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].