Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks zealous, dedicated, and client-centered litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in our District 2 offices. OPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. The Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Dorchester offices are small but busy rural public defender offices with a combined total of approximately 40 attorneys and staff. OPD strives to achieve Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the OPD’s mission.

GRADE

ASTD20, ASTD 21, ASTD22

LOCATION OF POSITION

District II (Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Dorchester Counties)

Main Purpose of Job

Assistant Public Defendercombines their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigationskills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients.Candidates with limited/moderate amount of criminal trial experience interestedin joining OPD to do criminal trial work are invited to apply. Offers will bemade on a rolling basis. Successful candidates for these positions will begintheir employment with OPD immediately.

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. Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.�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 bar in advance of the scheduled start date (unfortunately, this means most third-year law students are not eligible). Non-Maryland attorneys must commit to becoming a member of the MD bar within 18 months of their start date.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Assistant Public Defender IEducation:�� A Juris Doctorate degree�or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.Experience: NoneNotes: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.�Assistant Public Defender IIEducation:�� A Juris Doctorate degree�or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.Experience: Experience as a practicing Attorney.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.�Assistant Public Defender IIIEducation:�� A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.Experience: Experience as a practicing Attorney.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.�

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

If you wish to be considered,please click below�to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment through the MarylandState Government Job Openings Page Resume Tab: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter, (3)list of four professional references, and (4) a law school transcript (ifgraduated from law school within the past 3 years). Incompleteapplications will not be considered.� �Assistant Public Defenders are full-timeemployees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in thisposition. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d)(2).As aState agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is anaffirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to thefull inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color,religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, genderidentity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.��Allapplicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possessthe ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to variouscourtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is furthercommitted to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individualswith disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities bymodifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or workenvironment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant oremployee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the positionthey desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; orto enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by othersimilarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodationimposes an undue hardship.��Applicantsmust be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants musthave access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. Ifa reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, HumanResources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503�or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.