PARALEGAL SERIES

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 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.

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Conduct investigations

Meet with clients and witnesses under pressure, obtaining documents through the MPIA or legal discovery process

Prepare files on cases

Draft legal documents, filing documents in court

Assist with pre-hearing

Prepare correspondences for court

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.

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.