PARALEGAL I & II

The Office of the Public Defender is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants. The agency’s vision is Justice, Fairness and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of culture of excellence, client centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united in achieving the agency’s mission.

The Office of the Public Defender is seeking detail oriented applicants with legal research skills, exceptional organizational skills, and critical thinking and problem solving skills.  Candidates should be highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.  The Office of the Public Defender is looking to fill full-time Paralegal I/II positions in its Collateral Review, Felony Trial and Youthful Defendant Unit Divisions located in Baltimore City.  The Paralegal I/II provides assistance to Assistant Public Defender by performing legal research, preparing files on cases, drafting legal documents, filing documents in court, assisting with pretrial preparation, answering correspondence and interviewing clients and witnesses. This position involves significant client contact with indigent defendants and their families in office, court, detention center and/or state prison settings. Travel between offices and courthouses to pick up and deliver documents is required.

10 - Paralegal I ($29,874 with growth over time to $46,774)

12 - Paralegal II ($33,715 with growth over time to $53,123)

Collateral Review Division - 300 W. Preston Street, Baltimore City

Felony Trial Division - 201 St. Paul Place, Baltimore City

Youthful Defendant Unit - 201 E. Baltimore Street, Baltimore City

The Paralegal I/II are the intermediate and full performance levels of support work to an attorney involving legal research, application of Maryland case law, preparation and filing of various legal documents and pretrial preparation including answering client correspondence and interviewing clients and witnesses. Employees in these classifications do not supervise.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Two (Paralegal I), Three (Paralegal II) years of experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary performing legal research or preparing legal documents on behalf of an attorney.

Notes:

1. Thirty credit hours or a certificate in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.

 2. Thirty credit hours from an accredited law school may be substituted for the required experience.

 3. Additional years of experience as stated above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

Basic knowledge of criminal law terminology and procedures. Knowledge of Lexis or other legal research applications. Strong interest in working with indigent defendants and their families. Familiarity working with individuals with cognitive or mental health concerns. Exceptional organizational, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be admitted to the examination for this classification. Successful candidates will be ranked as BEST QUALIFIED, BETTER QUALIFIED, OR QUALIFIED and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position.

Online Applications Preferred. Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-8134.
Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or calling Janynee Covington at (410) 767-8500, toll free:  877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258.  Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing.  A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.