APD: DISTRICT VIII: BALTIMORE COUNTY (RE-POST) (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I)

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and\r\nzealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in Baltimore County,\r\nMaryland. Assistant Public Defenders combine their demonstrated commitment\r\nwith their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide\r\nexceptional representation on behalf of their clients. MOPD is committed\r\nto building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people\r\nhistorically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.\r\n�\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Baltimore County office is an urban Public Defender office with approximately\r\n70 employees providing client-centered representation. MOPD’s vision is for\r\nJustice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed to our core\r\nvalues of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and\r\ntenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission.\r\nAt MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and\r\nfairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of\r\nhuman suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds,\r\nand perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up against\r\nprejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy.\r\nMOPD seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent,\r\nzealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn\r\nmore about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.\r\n

GRADE

ASTD20\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Towson, MD\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:\r\n�\r\nThis position requires a willingness to learn, train, and practice\r\nexceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the\r\nability to work as a team in managing an active district court caseload.\r\nAttorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, and core\r\nstaff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a\r\nclient-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic\r\ninequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement.��This\r\nposition will be located in all three Baltimore County district courts.\r\nAttorneys will be required to rotate between the district courts depending on\r\nneed.�\r\n�\r\nDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:\r\n�\r\n● Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the\r\ncriminal process.\r\n● Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.\r\n● Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws,\r\nlegislation, procedural rules, court\r\ndecisions, and case precedents in preparation for trial and to determine/\r\nanticipate legal problems and\r\npropose resolutions.\r\n● Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members,\r\ncolleagues, and service\r\nproviders to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.\r\n● Counsels and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and\r\nlegal issues.\r\n● Negotiates with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreements\r\nto resolve cases favorably for the client.\r\n● Resourcefully manage a full caseload.\r\n● Continuously seek professional and personal development through\r\ntrainings, CLEs, and trial skills�courses.\r\n● Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CORE COMPETENCIES AND\r\nREQUIREMENTS:\r\n�\r\n● Demonstrated commitment to\r\nserving communities who have been pushed to the margins.\r\n● Clear dedication to upending\r\nsystemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.\r\n● Strong interpersonal skills\r\nand the ability to communicate effectively with people from different�backgrounds and lived\r\nexperiences.\r\n● Ability to thrive in a\r\nfast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.\r\n● Exceptional organizational,\r\nlegal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.\r\n● Active membership in good\r\nstanding in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state.�\r\n�\r\nAttorneys barred in another\r\nstate must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of�their start date with MOPD.\r\n

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS:\r\n�\r\nSalary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of\r\nMaryland employees.\r\nThis would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.\r\n�\r\nAssistant Public Defender I-$88,999.00 (Starting at Grade 20: Step 06)\r\n�\r\nPlease visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit\r\ninformation.\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO APPLY:\r\n�\r\nIf you wish to be considered, please click\r\nhere to fill out the application and upload the�following documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State\r\nGovernment Job�Openings Resume Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a\r\nlist of four professional�references, and (4) a writing sample no longer than fifteen (15) pages.\r\n�\r\nIncomplete applications will not be considered.\r\n�\r\nAssistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in\r\nthe private practice of law while�in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-\r\n203(d)(2).\r\n\r\nAs a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an\r\naffirmative action and equal\r\nopportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all\r\nqualified individuals without regard to�race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual\r\norientation, gender identity, national�origin, veteran status, or genetic information.\r\n�\r\nAll applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and\r\npossess the ability to complete�tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work\r\nin various positions and travel to�various courtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities\r\nthroughout the state. MOPD is further�committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for\r\nindividuals with disabilities�in employment, its services, programs, and activities by modifying or\r\nadjusting the job application process�or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the\r\nknown applicant or employee�to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they\r\ndesire; to perform the essential�functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and\r\nprivileges of employment as are�enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities,\r\nunless the accommodation imposes an�undue hardship.�\r\n�\r\nApplicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment.\r\nApplicants must have access�to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a\r\nreasonable accommodation is needed,�please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at\r\n410-767-8503 or�tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n�\r\n