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ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Statewide Locations Throughout Maryland: Fall Class 2019

Recruitment #19-005430-0002

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks dynamic, dedicated, and client-centered litigators for its 2019 Fall Class to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in locations throughout the State of Maryland. OPD provides superior representation to indigent defendants throughout the State of Maryland.   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.

GRADE

20

Main Purpose of Job

An Assistant Public Defender combines his/her demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with his/her strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of all his/her clients. The attorneys in these positions are expected to work independently in managing active caseloads while simultaneously working in team-oriented environments focused on a client-centered approach to representation. Offers will be made for specific jurisdictions based on OPD's needs and the candidate's stated geographic limitations and preferences. Successful candidates for these positions will begin their employment with OPD on September 11, 2019.

POSITION DUTIES

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

•Zealous representation of indigent defendants charged with misdemeanor criminal and traffic matters.

•Ability to competently and resourcefully prepare for and manage an active District Court 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.

•Actively communicate with clients, team members, and resources for optimal client outcomes.

•Continuously seek professional development through trainings, continuing legal education and trial skills courses.

 

Training and Qualifications

•Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.

•Exposure to the proceedings and pace of the District Court (litigation experience or judicial clerkship helpful).

•Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

•Ability to work independently and effectively manage an active caseload.

•Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state by August, 2019.  Accordingly, most current 3Ls are not eligible for this position.*

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

To apply for this position please submit a: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter, (3) list of references, (4) if graduated within the past three years a law school transcript (official or unofficial), and (5) completed Form (also available at http://www.opd.state.md.us/attorneys).

 

Please email items (1)-(4) in one email to attorneyjobs@opd.state.md.us.  In the subject line of the email please indicate “Fall Class of 2019.”  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

Closing Date: May 10, 2019

 

The OPD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d). They cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.


* 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 sat for the February 2019 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.  



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