Entry Level Public Defender Jobs in Washington, DC

Introduction

\r\nThe Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has openings for entry\r\nlevel zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders for the\r\nDistrict II office serving the Lower Eastern Shore communities of\r\nWorcester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Dorchester Counties. The attorney in\r\nthis position will combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong\r\nand zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on\r\nbehalf of their clients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse\r\nstaff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the\r\npractice of law to 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\r\nof human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational\r\nbackgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand\r\nup against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces\r\nwe occupy. MOPD seeks candidates who will join us in providing\r\ncompassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to\r\nall of our clients. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity,\r\nand inclusion.\r\n\r\n

GRADE

ASTD20\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

DORCHESTER, WICOMICO,WORCESTER AND SOMERSET COUNTIES\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:\r\n\r\nThe position is ideal for an entry level attorney seeking to gain criminal\r\ntrial experience in a fast-paced environment. We are seeking candidates who are\r\ninnovative and creative thinkers and havethe ability to work\r\nindependently in managing an active case load of district court and\r\notherspecialty cases such as juvenile, civil non-support and violations\r\nof probation. Attorneys work inconjunction with social workers,\r\ninvestigators, experts, and core staff in a team-orientedenvironment.\r\nAttorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation\r\nwithadvocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences\r\nthat lead to deeper systeminvolvement. Ideal candidates 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 stages of their criminal case including bail\r\nhearings, motions hearings, trial, andpost-trial hearings.\r\n Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.\r\n Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws,\r\nlegislation, procedural rules, courtdecisions, and case\r\nprecedents in preparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problems\r\nand propose resolutions.\r\n Drafts and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions,\r\nand correspondence for clients.\r\n Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members,\r\ncolleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.\r\n Counsel and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and\r\nlegal issues.\r\n Negotiates with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to\r\nestablish agreements to resolve cases\r\nfavorably for the client.\r\n Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.\r\n Continuously seek professional development by attending various\r\ntraining sessions.\r\n Other duties as assigned by the District Public Defender.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

\r\n\r\nCORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:\r\n\r\n Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to\r\nthe margins.\r\n Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.\r\n Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness\r\nin the criminal legal system.\r\n Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively\r\nwith people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.\r\n Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.\r\n Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills are\r\nnecessary to handle a high caseload.\r\n Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of\r\nanother state.\r\n\r\nAttorneys\r\nbarred inanother state must become\r\nmembers of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date\r\nwithMOPD.\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 $88,9990.00 (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 here to fill out the application and\r\nupload the following documents in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab of\r\nthe Maryland State Government Job Openings: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover\r\nletter, (3) a list of four professional references, and (4) a writing sample no\r\nlonger 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\r\nwhile in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section\r\n16-203(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 oradjusting the job application\r\nprocess 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\r\nfor the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the\r\nposition in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment\r\nas 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\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