Introduction
As a State agency, the 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. 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 computer based data collection including remote filing in Maryland’s electronic court system and organizing and updating the confidential Public Defender electronic filing system on individual clients, as well as working with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
We are also looking for an applicant with outstanding communication skills, ability to deal with clients of diverse backgrounds, who may be experiencing mental health issues, who are in crisis and may suffer from disabilities. This position will involve client contact and contact with witnesses, court employees and attorneys, often under time pressure. This position is a full-time Paralegal I/II position in the Parental Defense Division, with offices based in Montgomery County, serving Montgomery, Frederick, Carroll and Washington county clients whose children are removed by the government, and have a Constitutional right to counsel because they are the child(ren)s legal or biological parents.
The Paralegal I/II will provide assistance to Assistant Public Defenders by performing legal research, conducting investigations, meeting with clients and witnesses under pressure, obtaining documents through the MPIA or legal discovery process, preparing files on cases, drafting legal documents, filing documents in court, assisting with pre-hearing preparation, reviewing court, police and trial files, and preparing correspondence. This position involves significant client contact with clients who have experienced and are experiencing trauma, indigent defendants and their families in office, court, detention centers and/or state prison settings. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of and interest in trauma-informed service for clients is a plus.
GRADE
ASTD10 $39,421 - $62, 297
ASTD12 $44,534 - $70,751
LOCATION OF POSITION
191 E. Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850
Main Purpose of Job
The Paralegal I/II is the intermediate level 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 (Paralegal I) Three (Paralegal II) 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
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 Electronic Data Collection Systems, Electronic Filing, MDEC, 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 with clients experiencing trauma. Working with detained or incarcerated persons, attorneys and law enforcement or courtroom personnel.
5) Experience interviewing people and documenting the interview.
6) Experience and interest in assisting and working with individuals with cognitive or mental health challenges.
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
State of Maryland Benefits.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
**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.
