Introduction
ONLY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER CONTRACTUAL 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 applicants for our Baltimore City Felony Trial
Division who are detail oriented with excellent legal research, database management and
writing skills, as well as problem solving skills. The primary responsibility for this position is to
support the attorneys by performing legal research, sorting case files, downloading discovery,
filing, answering telephones, and other office duties. Additionally, this position will provide
assistance with data entry which will require use of our internal database (eDefender) and use
of various judiciary websites (MDEC, Case search, Jportal, Pacer, and Westlaw legal programs).
GRADE
10
($39,421 with growth over time to $62,297)
LOCATION OF POSITION
Baltimore City - 201 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, Maryland
Main Purpose of Job
Administrative Specialist I is the intermediate level of administrative work requiring regular use
of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting rules and regulations in
accordance with agency laws and policies. Employees in this class do not supervise other
Administrative Specialists.
Employees in this classification receive moderate supervision from a higher-level administrator.
POSITION DUTIES
*Interview clients at institutions, in person, through Zoom, and by phone.
*Contact and interview family member of clients.
*Research and draft legal pleadings and client letters.
*Gather medical records
*Subpoena records and other documents for trial preparation
* Assist Attorneys in trial.
*Prepare trial notebooks.
*Transcribe - using Justice Text or service such as court reporting or accuscribe.
*Burn and edit BWC footage.
*Watch and analyze BWC footage and witness statements.
*Review discovery.
*Assist with filing.
*Interview witness and go to crime scenes.
*Meet with State’s Attorneys to discuss discovery.
* Gather and deliver court clothes.
*Maintain Google Sheet for institutional visits.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Six months of experience performing administrative staff, clerical, clerical technical, or secretarial work.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer involving staff work requiring regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting rules and regulations in accordance with agency laws and policies on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Qualifications:
Working experience with legal research.
Expertise with MS Word, advanced Excel and Google
Sheets.
Advanced knowledge of Case Search, Westlaw and Basic legal programs.
LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION
Limited to contractual employees of the Maryland Office of The Public Defender.
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
Demonstrated ability to accurately type on a typewriter or keyboard on a personal computer, computer terminal or work processor at a minimum of forty words per minute may be required, depending on the specific requirements of the position.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you
meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications
must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this
date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and
placed on the eligible (employment) 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
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications preferred.
Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410)
333-2260.
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.
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.