Closing Date: 15th November, 2024
Description:
Introduction:A Government Entity seeks dynamic, dedicated, and client-centered litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in offices across Maryland. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
A Government Entity 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 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 the spaces we occupy.
The Agency's vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the Agency's mission. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Main Purpose Of Job
Overview of the Position:
Assistant Public Defenders combine 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 independently manage an active caseload while working in a team-oriented environment with a client-centered approach to litigation. All selected candidates are required to attend orientation and A Government Entity's New Hire training. Successful candidates for these positions will begin their employment with A Government Entity by February 19, 2025.
Position Duties:
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: Experience as a practicing Attorney.
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 Defenders combine 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 independently manage an active caseload while working in a team-oriented environment with a client-centered approach to litigation. All selected candidates are required to attend orientation and A Government Entity's New Hire training. Successful candidates for these positions will begin their employment with A Government Entity by February 19, 2025.
Position Duties:
Primary Duties & 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.
- Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
- Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
- Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
- Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: Experience as a practicing Attorney.
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 experiences.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
- Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
- Exposure to the proceedings and pace of the District Court (litigation experience or judicial clerkship helpful).
- All offers will be contingent on membership in Good Standing with the bar in advance of the scheduled start date. Non-Maryland attorneys must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.
