Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has openings for entry\r\nlevel and experienced zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders\r\nin our Southern Maryland area Charles County office. The attorney in this\r\nposition will combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong and\r\nzealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of\r\ntheir clients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and\r\nstrongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law\r\nto apply.\r\n\r\nAt MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice\r\nand fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of\r\nhuman suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and\r\nperspectives 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 more\r\nabout our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.\r\n

GRADE

ASTD22, ASTD 21, ASTD20\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Charles County, MD\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:\r\n\r\nThe positions require a range of experience from limited/moderate amount\r\nof criminal trial experience to exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking,\r\ninvestigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an\r\nactive case load of district, felony and other specialty cases such as juvenile,\r\ncivil non-support and violation of probation. Attorneys work in conjunction\r\nwith social workers, investigators, experts, and core staff in a team-oriented\r\nenvironment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to\r\nrepresentation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral\r\nconsequences that lead to deeper system involvement. Attorneys should be\r\navailable to start within one month after receiving an offer.\r\n\r\nPRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:\r\n\r\n Represent clients in all\r\nstages of their criminal case including bail hearings, motions hearings, trial,\r\nandpost-trial hearings.\r\n Ensure clients are\r\nconsistently heard and respected.\r\n Conducts legal research\r\nand analysis including changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions,\r\nand case precedents in preparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal\r\nproblems and propose resolutions.\r\n Drafts and prepares\r\nreports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions, and correspondence for\r\nclients.\r\n Effectively and\r\ncompassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and serviceproviders to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.\r\n Counsel and advises\r\nclients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.\r\n Negotiates with\r\nprosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.\r\n Competently,\r\nindependently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.\r\n Continuously seek\r\nprofessional development by attending various training sessions.\r\n Other duties as assigned\r\nby the District Public Defender.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

\r\n\r\nCORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:\r\n\r\nDemonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been\r\npushed to the margins.\r\nExcellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.\r\nClear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and\r\nunfairness in the criminal legal system.\r\nStrong\r\ninterpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people\r\nfrom differentbackgrounds and lived\r\nexperiences.\r\nAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented\r\nenvironment.\r\nExceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills\r\nnecessary to handle a high caseload.\r\nCriminal jury trial experience required. Felony (cases involving\r\ncomplex issues and/or where clientsare facing the possibility of a life sentence) jury trial experience is\r\npreferred.\r\nActive membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of\r\nanother state.\r\n\r\nAttorneys barred inanother state must become\r\nmembers of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with MOPD.\r\n\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 - starting at $88,999.00 (Grade 20: Step 06)\r\nAssistant Public Defender II- starting at $98,840.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)\r\nAssistant Public Defender III- starting at $109,794.00 (Grade 22: Step\r\n10)\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 here to fill out the\r\napplication and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through\r\nthe Resume Tab of the Maryland State Government Job Openings: (1) a current\r\nresume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, and (4)\r\na 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\r\nArt., Section 16-203(d)(2).\r\n\r\nAs a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is\r\nan affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the\r\nfull inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color,\r\nreligion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender\r\nidentity, 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.\r\nApplicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various\r\ncourtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state.\r\nMOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable\r\naccommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services,\r\nprograms, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process\r\nor the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known\r\napplicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the\r\nposition they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in\r\nquestion; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are\r\nenjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the\r\naccommodation 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\r\ntransportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda\r\nJackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n