PARALEGAL 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, critical thinking and problem solving skills highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook to fill a full-time Contractual Paralegal II position in Montgomery County. The Contractual Paralegal II provides assistance to Assistant Public Defenders by performing legal research, conducting investigations, obtaining documents through the MPIA, preparing files on cases, drafting legal documents, filing documents in court, assisting with pre-hearing preparation, reviewing court, police and trial files, answering correspondence and interviewing clients and witnesses. This position involves significant client contact with indigent defendants and their families in office, court, detention centers and/or state prison settings. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

ASTD12

191 E. Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850

The Contractual Paralegal II provides full performance levels of support work to an attorney involving legal research, conducting investigations, obtaining documents, reviewing files, 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: Three 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.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in paralegal specialist classifications or paralegal specialist specialty codes in the legal and kindred field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

1) Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

2) Knowledge of performing legal research using Westlaw or other legal research applications. 

3) Experience performing computerized investigations and background checks using programs such as CLEAR, Accurint or other online tools. 

4) Experience working in the criminal justice or court systems.  Working with detained or incarcerated persons, attorneys and law enforcement or courtroom personnel. 

5) Experience interviewing people and documenting the interview. 

6) Experience working with individuals with cognitive or mental health concerns.

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 are strongly 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 by calling (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.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.