Closing Date: 6th January, 2026
Description:
Introduction:The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in Montgomery County, Maryland. Assistant Public Defenders provide exceptional representation to their clients demonstrated through skilled litigation, tenacious advocacy in and outside of court and a commitment to client-centered representation. MOPD is committed to cultivating a robust and culturally diverse team and strongly encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, including those from historically underrepresented in the practice of law.
The Montgomery County office is a suburban Public Defender office with approximately 60 employees providing representation to qualifying individuals in criminal, juvenile and some select civil matters. MOPD's vision of Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All is reflected by our commitment to core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and unity of purpose in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, and to provide a strong voice to those who have been traditionally made voiceless in our society. 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. Refer to the MOPD website to learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Grade
Astd 21, Astd 22
Location of Position:
Rockville, Md
Main Purpose of Job
Overview of The Position:
This Position Is for An Experienced Assistant Public Defender. the 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 and Substantial District Court Caseload. Attorneys Work in Conjunction with Social Workers, Investigators, and Core Staff in A Team-Oriented Environment to Represent Qualifying Clients. 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. Available Positions Will Focus Their Practice Primarily in The Circuit Court for Montgomery County.
Being an Assistant Public Defender Requires an Exceptional Level of Dedication to The Mission of Mopd and Its Clients and Involves a Substantial Commitment of Time and Effort; Applicants Should Be Prepared to Discuss and Demonstrate the Same.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Minimum Qualifications:
Core Competencies and Requirements:
Attorney Barred in Another State Must Become Members of The Maryland Bar Within 18 Months of 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 Ii- Starting at $97,190.00 (grade 21: Step 08)
Assistant Public Defender Iii- Starting at $107,687.00 (grade 22: Step 10)
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 Between 5-20 Pages of Legal Analysis (ex. Court Briefs or Substantive Motions).
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.
Astd 21, Astd 22
Location of Position:
Rockville, Md
Main Purpose of Job
Overview of The Position:
This Position Is for An Experienced Assistant Public Defender. the 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 and Substantial District Court Caseload. Attorneys Work in Conjunction with Social Workers, Investigators, and Core Staff in A Team-Oriented Environment to Represent Qualifying Clients. 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. Available Positions Will Focus Their Practice Primarily in The Circuit Court for Montgomery County.
Being an Assistant Public Defender Requires an Exceptional Level of Dedication to The Mission of Mopd and Its Clients and Involves a Substantial Commitment of Time and Effort; Applicants Should Be Prepared to Discuss and Demonstrate the Same.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Passionate and Zealous Representation of Clients at Every Stage of The Legal Process, in And Outside of Court.
- Maintain Effective and Consistent Communication with Clients, Who Are Incarcerated or In the Community, to Ensure that Individuals We Represent Are Consistently Heard and Respected. for Clients Who Are Incarcerated, It Is Expected that Attorneys Will Regularly Travel to The Place of Incarceration and Visit Clients There to Engage in Substantive Discussions of Their Cases.
- Conducts Substantive Legal Research, Writing and Analysis, to Specifically Include Briefing the Courts on Changes in Laws, Legislation, Procedural Rules, Court Decisions, and Other Legal Precedent, in Preparation for Hearings and Trial.
- Coordinate and Compassionately Communicate with Clients, Team Members, Colleagues, and Service Providers to Ensure Optimal Outcomes for Clients.
- Counsel and Advise Clients on Changes in Law, Court Decisions, Legal Issues and Options.
- Negotiates with Prosecutors and Other Parties to Establish Agreements to Resolve Cases Favorably for The Client.
- Resourcefully Manage a Full and Significant Caseload of Felony Cases from Initial Appearance to Post-Sentencing Stages for Each Assigned Client.
- Continuously Seek Professional and Personal Development Through Trainings, Cl Es, and Trial Skills Courses; and Meet All Mopd Cle Requirements.
- Other Duties as Assigned by The Public Defender, District Public Defender, and Other Supervisory Authorities.
Minimum Qualifications:
Core Competencies and Requirements:
- Demonstrate 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.
- Strong Legal Writing and Research Skills.
- Strong Oral Advocacy Skills.
- Ability to Type, Use and Regularly Communicate via Email, and Utilize Microsoft Office Suite.
- Active Membership in Good Standing in The Maryland Bar or Another State.
- Prior Criminal Motions, Jury and Bench Trial Experience Required. Felony (including Cases Involving
- Complex Issues And/or Where Clients Are Facing Possibility of A Life Sentence) Jury Trial Experience Is Preferred.
- Experience Reviewing Complex and Voluminous Discovery and Evidence and Examining Expert
- Witnesses Strongly Preferred.
- Prior Experience Conducting Factual Investigation for Criminal Cases Required.
Attorney Barred in Another State Must Become Members of The Maryland Bar Within 18 Months of 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 Ii- Starting at $97,190.00 (grade 21: Step 08)
Assistant Public Defender Iii- Starting at $107,687.00 (grade 22: Step 10)
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 Between 5-20 Pages of Legal Analysis (ex. Court Briefs or Substantive Motions).
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.
