Closing Date: 5th December, 2025

Description:

Introduction:
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks dedicated and client-centered litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in District Court locations in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Maryland. Assistant Public Defenders combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

The Baltimore City office is a large urban Public Defender office with 200+ employees providing client-centered representation. The Baltimore County office is an urban public defender's office with approximately 70 employees providing client-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Baltimore County. MOPD's vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. MOPD seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Grade
ASTD20

Location Of Position:
Baltimore City and Towson, MD

Main Purpose of Job
Overview of the Position:
This position requires a willingness to learn, train, and practice exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work as a team in managing an active district court caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. Positions are available in both Baltimore City and Baltimore County district courts. Both Baltimore City and Baltimore County have multiple district courts and multiple OPD offices. Attorneys will be assigned to one district but may be required to rotate throughout the courthouses within the district.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the criminal process.
Ensure 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.
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 and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.
Resourcefully manage a full caseload.
Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

Minimum Qualifications:
Core Competencies and Requirements:

Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state.
A strong preference for demonstrable experience with indigent defense.
Judicial law clerks and candidates with demonstrated experience with criminal litigation or trial advocacy strongly preferred.
Coursework in evidence and criminal procedure preferred for candidates with less than 2 years' experience.
Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with MOPD.

Benefits:
Salary and benefits:
Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees.

This would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.

Assistant Public Defender I-$87,620.00 (Starting at Grade 20: Step 06)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employee's page to review benefit information.

Further Instructions
How to Apply:
If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Resume Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, and (4) a writing sample no longer than fifteen (15) pages.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16- 203(d)(2).

As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various courtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship.

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.