ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks zealous and dedicated litigators to represent young people in both delinquency and criminal matters in District II, serving Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties located in the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

Our vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. At OPD 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 of the spaces we occupy. OPD seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

OPD Juvenile Defenders provide consistent client-centered representation to their clients from their first court appearance through their entire case. This vertical representation model leads to deep and lasting client relationships and continuity of representation across years and cases. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. District II attorneys are primarily assigned to one county office; however, all attorneys in the district are expected to travel to the other county offices in the district when needed.

Primary Responsibilities

• Represent youth at arraignment, adjudication, disposition, and post-disposition hearings.
• Represent clients in administrative matters related to conditions of confinement and access to treatment.
• Work to identify and advocate for solutions to systemic issues.
• Work collaboratively with social workers and core staff to assist clients and their families in matters related to housing, education, school discipline, mental health, and other collateral matters that contribute to deepening system involvement.
• Investigate, develop, and litigate novel and cutting-edge Constitutional arguments in order to advance and expand the rights of young people in contact with the juvenile justice system.
• Competently and resourcefully prepare for and manage an active caseload.
• Effectively, proactively, and compassionately communicate with clients, family members, team members, colleagues, community resources, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes and resolve challenges in an open, constructive, and professional manner.
• Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
• Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

Core Competencies and Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive defense practice, including the ability to represent clients in juvenile, criminal, and administrative hearings.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Knowledge, training, and experience related to adolescent development, neuroscience, education, mental health treatment, and best practices for juvenile rehabilitation. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds and lived experiences. Proven expertise in communicating with children and adolescents is preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
• Criminal trial and/or experience representing juveniles preferred.
• Active membership in good standing with the State of Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. OPD will consider individuals who sat for the July 2023 bar examination. If selected, offers will be extended contingent on membership to the bar in advance of the start date. Preference in the selection process will be given to candidates who are already a member of the bar. Attorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland bar within 18 months of the start date.

Assistant Public Defender I

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. 

Assistant Public Defender II

Education:   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 III

Education:   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. 

Salary and Benefits

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees. Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information. 

Assistant Public Defender I- $84,225.00-$118,953.00 (Grade 20, Step 6-24)

Assistant Public Defender II- $93,424.00-126,912.00 (Grade 21, Step 8-24)

Assistant Public Defender III- $103,514.00-$135,450.00 (Grade 22, Step 10-24)

If you wish to be considered, please click below to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment under the Resume tab of the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter, (3) list of four professional references, (4) writing sample, and (5) transcript (if graduated from law school within the past 3 years). 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d)(2).

As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.  Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship.

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.