Introduction

The Maryland Office of the PublicDefender (OPD) seeks dynamic, dedicated, and client-centered litigators toserve as Assistant Public Defenders in our Upper Eastern Shore offices which serves Talbot,Caroline, Kent, Cecil, and Queen Anne’s Counties. OPD is committed to buildinga culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historicallyunderrepresented in the practice of law to apply. �Assistant Public Defenders areexpected to work independently in managing an active caseload whilesimultaneously working in a team-oriented environment focused on aclient-centered approach to advocacy. Attorneys are generally assigned to onespecific office in the district but must remain flexible to provide coverage tothe other counties within District III. 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 ateam in achieving the OPD’s mission.

GRADE

ASTD20, ASTD 21, ASTD 22

LOCATION OF POSITION

Caroline, Talbot, Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne's 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 and felony criminal, traffic, and juvenile matters. Ability to prepare for and manage an active caseload; including, but not limited to the handling of bail review hearings, District Court and Circuit Court trials, Juvenile matters, 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 andRequirements: 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 and Circuit 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 andsubmit the following items in one PDFattachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page Resume Tab: (1)current resume, (2) cover letter, (3) list of four professional references, and(4) a law school transcript (if graduated 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 a State agency, the Maryland Office of the PublicDefender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPDis committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regardto race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexualorientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or geneticinformation.��All applicants must be able to communicate with clients andvisitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced workenvironment.� Applicants must be able to work in various positions andtravel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPDis further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonableaccommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services,programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application processor the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the knownapplicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for theposition they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position inquestion; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as areenjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless theaccommodation imposes an undue hardship.��Applicants must be able to operate a computer and otheroffice equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able tonavigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, pleasecontact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503�or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.