Juvenile Defense Attorney — Impactful, Client-Centered

America's Adopt A Soldier; Frederick (MD); Hybrid; USD 89,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Office of the Public Defender seeks a zealous litigator to represent youth in delinquency and criminal matters in District XI serving Frederick and Washington Counties. The office values diverse staff and encourages applicants historically underrepresented in law to apply.

Attorneys will provide client-centered representation from initial court appearances through case resolution, collaborating with social workers and staff to address housing, education, mental health, and related

Qualifications

• Zealous and comprehensive defense across juvenile, criminal, and administrative hearings.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of adolescent development, neuroscience, education, mental health treatment, and juvenile rehabilitation best practices.
• Ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds; experience with youth preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Excellent organizational, legal, and administrative skills to handle a high caseload.
• Criminal trial and/or juvenile defense experience preferred.
• Active Maryland Bar membership by start date.

Responsibilities

• Represent youth at arraignment, adjudication, disposition, and post-disposition hearings.
• Advocate in administrative matters related to conditions of confinement and access to treatment.
• Collaborate with social workers and staff to assist clients and families with housing, education, discipline, mental health, and collateral matters.
• Investigate and litigate constitutional arguments to advance rights of youth in juvenile justice.
• Balance client-centered representation with advocacy to address systemic inequities.
• Manage an active caseload effectively and resourcefully.
• Communicate with clients, families, team, and service providers to achieve outcomes.
• Pursue professional development through training, CLEs, and trial courses.

Skills

Zealous defense

Research & writing

Oral advocacy

Juvenile/criminal law

Cross-cultural communication

Education

Maryland Bar admission

Job description

Maryland Office of the Public Defender seeks a zealous litigator to represent youth in delinquency and criminal matters in District XI serving Frederick and Washington Counties. The office values diverse staff and encourages applicants historically underrepresented in law to apply.

Attorneys will provide client-centered representation from initial court appearances through case resolution, collaborating with social workers and staff to address housing, education, mental health, and related