Introduction
As a State agency, 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 to complete tasks in a
fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various environments,
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, 410-767-8503 tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.
The Office of the Public Defender Parental Defense Division is
seeking detail-oriented applicants with legal research skills, exceptional
organizational, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and high
proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook to fill full-time Paralegal I
position located in Baltimore City.
The Contractual Paralegal I 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, department of social services and
trial files, answering correspondence, interviewing clients and witnesses, and
support with clerical functions. This position involves significant contact
with indigent clients and their families in office, court, detention center,
hospital, and/or state prison settings.
GRADE
ASTD10
LOCATION OF POSITION
300 North Gay Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Contractual Paralegal I provides intermediate and 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Two 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.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Basic knowledge of criminal law terminology and procedures. Knowledge of Lexis/Westlaw or other legal research applications. Strong interest in working with indigent parents and their families. Familiarity working with individuals with cognitive or mental health concerns. Exceptional organizational, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
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.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Class descriptions broadly define groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.
SELECTION PROCESS
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.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
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.
BENEFITS
Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
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 by calling (410) 767-8497, 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. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
