ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks zealous and dedicated litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in the Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) Division for Baltimore County. The CINA Division represents parents whose children are taken or at risk of being taken by the local Department of Social Services (DSS). CINA cases begin with allegations by the local DSS that parents have abused and/or neglected their child(ren). Representation can include multiple-discipline team meetings, mediations, multiple hearings, trials, and termination of parental rights proceedings. The Agency’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the Agency’s mission.

An Assistant Public Defender in the CINA Division combines his/her demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with his/her litigation skills to ensure the highest standard of client-centered representation in a team-oriented environment. These are full time positions with offices located in Towson, Maryland. The attorneys will be assigned to represent parents and frequent travel is required to Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard Counties. This representation flows from the initial CINA Petition, Adjudication/Disposition, Permanency Planning Hearing, Review Hearing as well as any Termination of Parental Rights proceedings. The proceedings also include Family Recovery Court (Drug Court), Mediation and other meetings with the local department of social services as well as meetings with the Juvenile Court Bench.

Education: Possession of a Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.

Experience: Experience as a practicing attorney.

Notes:

1. An Assistant Public Defender must be a member of the Maryland Bar 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 judge advocate general classification or judge advocate general specialty codes in the general attorney field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

How to Apply

To apply for these positions please submit a: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter addressing the above qualifications, (3) list of references, (4) law school transcript (if graduated law school within past 3 years); and (5) completed Applicant Essay (available on our website under “Careers”).

Please email items (1)-(5) in one email to attorneyjobs@opd.state.md.us.  In the subject line of the email please indicate “APDI, CINA Division Baltimore County.”  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

 Closing Date: April 30, 2017

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender.  Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d).  Assistant Public Defenders cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.

[1] Individuals who are members of the Bar of another State must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of start date.  OPD will also consider applicants for this position who recently sat for the Bar Examination and are currently awaiting results.  Should those applicants not successfully become members of the Bar at the time hiring decisions are made, they will no longer be considered qualified for this position.