Closing Date: 2nd May, 2025

Description:

Main Purpose Of Job
Overview of the Position:
Assistant Public Defenders 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 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 MOPD's New Hire training. Successful candidates for these positions will begin their employment with MOPD no later than August 06, 2025.

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.
  • Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and providers for optimal client outcomes.
  • Continuously seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
  • Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
  • 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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  • Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
  • Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
  • 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 Maryland Bar or Bar of another state by July 2025. Individuals who are a member of the Bar of another State must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.