Closing Date: 13th October, 2024
Description:
Introduction:A Government Entity will be extending a limited number of offers to current third-year law students to join A Government Entity in trial attorney positions upon admission to the Maryland Bar. A Government Entity seeks dynamic, dedicated, and client-centered attorneys to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in locations throughout the State of Maryland. Offers will be extended for specific regions of the state and will be extended based on the candidate's asserted geographic preferences and limitations. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is a statewide agency that provides superior representation to indigent clients at all stages of the criminal case including trial, appeal, and eligible post-conviction proceedings. Representation is provided through offices and services at 52 locations statewide with a workforce of approximately 1000 employees. At A Government Entity, we use our legal education and expertise to fight for justice and fairness, as tenacious advocates we refuse to remain silent amid human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in providing superior representation to our clients. We stand firm against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all communities and spaces.
A Government Entity's mission focuses on Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and function as a team united in achieving A Government Entity's mission. Learn more about the mission, public defense and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Grade
ASTD20
Location Of Position:
- District 1 (Baltimore City)
- District 2 (Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester Counties)
- District 3 (Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot Counties)
- District 4 (Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's Counties)
- District 5 (Prince George's County)
- District 6 (Montgomery County)
- District 7 (Anne Arundel County)
- District 8 (Baltimore County)
- District 9 (Harford County)
- District 10 (Carroll and Howard Counties)
- District 11 (Frederick and Washington Counties)
- District 12 (Allegany and Garrett Counties)
Learn more: https://www.opd.state.md.us/locations
Main Purpose of Job
Overview of the Position:
Assistant Public Defender combines their demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of all their clients. The attorneys in these positions are expected to work independently in managing active caseloads while simultaneously working in team-oriented environments focused on a client-centered approach to representation. Successful candidates for these positions will begin their employment with A Government Entity in January 2026.
Position Duties:
Primary Responsibilities:
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: None
Notes:
Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at the time of appointment.
The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
Desired or Preferred Qualifications
Core Competencies and Requirements
Overview of the Position:
Assistant Public Defender combines their demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of all their clients. The attorneys in these positions are expected to work independently in managing active caseloads while simultaneously working in team-oriented environments focused on a client-centered approach to representation. Successful candidates for these positions will begin their employment with A Government Entity in January 2026.
Position Duties:
Primary Responsibilities:
- Zealous representation of indigent defendants charged with misdemeanor criminal and traffic matters.
- Ability to prepare for and manage an active caseload; including, but not limited to the handling of bail review hearings, District Court trials, preliminary hearings, violation of probation hearings, and modification of sentence hearings competently and resourcefully.
- Actively and effectively communicate with clients, their families, trial attorneys, court staff, and opposing counsel.
- Continuously seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
- Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: None
Notes:
Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at the time of appointment.
The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
Desired or Preferred Qualifications
Core Competencies and Requirements
- Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
- Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
- Compassion.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
- Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
- Some criminal trial experience or exposure is preferred.
- All offers will be contingent on membership in good standing with the Maryland bar by December 2025.
