Parental Defense Attorney: Protecting Families' Rights

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 89,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Maryland’s Maryland Office of the Public Defender seeks an Assistant Public Defender for the Parental Defense Division (PDD) in Baltimore City. This role focuses on protecting the rights of parents in CINA/TPR proceedings, with a commitment to diversity and client-centered representation.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate tenacity, ethical advocacy, and the ability to work across a multidisciplinary team while handling high caseloads in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness.
• Compassion and empathy.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to use technology in order to telework and participate in virtual court hearings as necessary.
• Strong organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload with short deadlines.
• Prior experience in litigation including CINA/TPR, Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, or Family Law (experience may include internships or clinics).
• Strong communication and client advocacy skills.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state is required.

Responsibilities

• Protect clients’ Constitutional rights to raise and rear their children.
• Defend clients against allegations of neglect and/or abuse.
• Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at every stage of the proceeding.
• Engage in motions practice, legal research, and writing.
• Obtain, organize, and review voluminous records in preparing a defense.
• Develop and maintain client relationships over the extended life of the case.
• Collaborate with PDD social workers, criminal defense attorneys, parent advocates, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.
• Provide client-centered representation, ensuring clients are heard and respected.
• Be non-judgmental and empathetic towards clients.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
• Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
• Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

Skills

Community advocacy

Civil rights/anti-racism

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Telework readiness

Job description

The State of Maryland’s Maryland Office of the Public Defender seeks an Assistant Public Defender for the Parental Defense Division (PDD) in Baltimore City. This role focuses on protecting the rights of parents in CINA/TPR proceedings, with a commitment to diversity and client-centered representation.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate tenacity, ethical advocacy, and the ability to work across a multidisciplinary team while handling high caseloads in a fast-paced environment.