Assistant Public Defender Senior

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks experienced andzealous litigators toserve in locations throughout the State of positions require exceptional trial skillsinnovative thinkinginvestigative skills and the ability to work independently in managinganactive felony caseload. We are committed to building a culturallydiverse staff and stronglyencourage people historically underrepresentedin the practice of law to apply.

OPDs vision is for Justice Fairness and Dignity for All and we arecommitted to our corevalues of a culture of excellence client-centeredrepresentation tenacious advocacy and remainunited as a team inachieving our mission. At OPD we use our legal education and experiencetofight for justice and fairness no matter what and we refuse to remainsilent in the midst ofhuman suffering. Our unique talents identitieseducational backgrounds and perspectives guideus in representing ourclients. We stand up against prejudice systemic racism and inequity in all ofthe spaces we occupy. OPD seeks candidates that will join us in providingcompassionatecompetent zealous and client-centered representation toall of our clients. Learn more about ourmission and commitment todiversity equity and inclusion.

GRADE

ASTD23

LOCATION OF POSITION

Positions AvailableStatewide

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

Attorneys in this position will work in conjunction with experts socialworkers investigatorscore staff and other members of the defense teamin a team-oriented environment. Attorneysmust be able to balance aclient-centered approach to representation with advocacy toaddresssystemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead todeeper system involvement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Represents clients in the most complex legal matters including bailhearings motionshearings trials and appeals in felony cases.

Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.

Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in lawslegislation proceduralrules court decisions and case precedents inpreparation for trial and to determine / anticipate legal problems and proposeresolutions.

Drafts and prepares reports memorandum in opposition briefsmotionscorrespondence and appeals for clients.

Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients team memberscolleaguesand service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.

Counsels and advises clients on changes in law court decisions andlegal issues.

Negotiates with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreementsto resolve casesfavorably for the client.

Provides post- trial representation follow-up with the client regardingmatters such asclient release and other appropriate collateral issues.

Competently independently and resourcefully manages a full caseloadof complexfelony matters.

Serves as second chair and mentor to circuit court attorneys learningto handle life cases.

Provides training research and consultation services to lower-levelAssistant PublicDefenders.

Research legal precedents opinions and proposed legislation for theirfuture impact andfor defense of specific cases.

Performs other related duties as directed by the Public DefenderDistrict PublicDefender and / or trial team supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities both inside and outside the courtroom.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced diverse team-oriented environment.

Exceptional organizational legal and administrative skills necessary to handle a challenging workload consisting of life cases and serious felony matters.

Experienced and active trial practitioners with a minimum of seven (7) years of criminal trial experience in the circuit court required.

Prior experience as lead counsel in no fewer than three (3) felony jury trials of serious and complex cases which were tried to verdict. Felony jury trial experience handling life cases (complex criminal jury trials where clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) is preferred.

Demonstrated proficiency and experience in the utilization of expert witnesses and evidence including but not limited to psychiatric and forensic evidence.

Served as second chair on three (3) or more cases with other Assistant Public Defenders.

Attended and successfully completed training or educational programming exceeding eighteen (18) credits in the 2024-25 CLE year (reflected through 6 or more separate program dates) preferred.

Led at least 1 CLE in the last 18 months.

Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar.

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This position is limitedto current OPD employees only.

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State ofMaryland employees.

Please visit the State of Maryland Employees page to review benefitinformation.

Starting at $114875 (Grade : 23 Step10)

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO APPLY

If you wish to be considered please click here to fill out theapplication and submit the followingitems in one PDF attachment throughthe Maryland State Government Job Openings Page : (1)Current resume; (2)Cover letter addressing the above qualifications. Please state the numberofcases that were tried to verdict and indicate whether you were solecounsel chief counsel orassociate counsel; (3) Two professionalreferences (one must include a current core staff memberin your Districtoffice); (4) Identify three of the most significant cases you have ever handledthatwent to trial identifying the major points at issue in thelitigation and the outcome.

Incompleteor late submissions will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage inthe privatepractice of law while in this position. MD Code CriminalProcedure Art. Section 16-203(d)(2).

As a State agency the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) isan affirmativeaction and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed tothe full inclusion of allqualified individuals without regard to racecolor religion sex physical or mentaldisability age sexualorientation gender identity national origin veteran status orgeneticinformation.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors andpossess the abilityto complete tasks in a fast-paced work must be able to work invarious positions and travel to variouscourtrooms and office environments throughout thestate. MOPD is furthercommitted to providing equal opportunity and reasonableaccommodation forindividuals with disabilities in employment its services programsandactivities by modifying or adjusting the job application process orthe job or workenvironment to make reasonable accommodations to the knownapplicant or employee toenable the applicant or employee be consideredfor the position they desire; to perform theessential functions of theposition in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privilegesofemployment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees withoutdisabilitiesunless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship.

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigatepublic transportation. If areasonable accommodation is needed pleasecontact Tawanda Jackson Human ResourcesSupervisor at

Key Skills

Marketing,Public Relations,Google Docs,Organizational skills,Communication skills,Press Releases,Office Experience,Constant Contact,InfusionSoft,Social Media Management,Child Protective Services,Writing Skills

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1