Senior Assistant Public Defender — District VIII

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 99,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender in Towson, MD seeks experienced litigators to join District VIII as Assistant Public Defenders. These roles require strong trial skills, dedication to client-centered representation, and the ability to manage a busy felony caseload within a collaborative team.

We encourage applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds and are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Commitment to serving communities who have been marginalized.
• 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.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills to manage a high caseload.
• Criminal jury trial experience; felony jury trial experience preferred.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state.

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.

Skills

Criminal jury trial experience

Advocacy skills

Research and writing

Communication with diverse clients

Team-oriented

Education

Active Maryland Bar membership or eligibility

Job description

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender in Towson, MD seeks experienced litigators to join District VIII as Assistant Public Defenders. These roles require strong trial skills, dedication to client-centered representation, and the ability to manage a busy felony caseload within a collaborative team.

We encourage applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds and are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.