Introduction
Only Contractual Office of the Public Defender Employees Apply.
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 possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work
environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions, 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 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 full-time Paralegal II position in its Forensic Mental Health Division
office located in Baltimore City. The 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,
interviewing clients and witnesses, and support with clerical functions.
This position involves significant client contact with indigent defendants and
their families in office, court, detention center and/or state prison
settings.
GRADE
ASTD12
LOCATION OF POSITION
6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
POSITION DUTIES
The 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Basic knowledge of criminal law terminology and procedures.
Knowledge of the MPIA or other legal research applications. Familiarity in interacting with consulting
expert professionals. 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.
LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION
Only Contractual Office of the Public Defender Employees.
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.
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.
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.