ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) will be extending a limited number of offers to current third-year law students to join MOPD in trial attorney positions upon admission to the Maryland Bar. MOPD seeks dynamic, dedicated, and client-centered attorneys to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in locations throughout the State of Maryland. Offers will be extended for specific regions of the state and will be extended based on the candidate’s asserted geographic preferences and limitations. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. 

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is a statewide agency that provides superior representation to indigent clients at all stages of the criminal case including trial, appeal, and eligible post-conviction proceedings. Representation is provided through offices and services at 52 locations statewide with a workforce of approximately 1000 employees. At MOPD, we use our legal education and expertise to fight for justice and fairness, as tenacious advocates we refuse to remain silent amid human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in providing superior representation to our clients. We stand firm against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all communities and spaces.

MOPD’s mission focuses on Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and function as a team united in achieving MOPD’s mission.  Learn more about the mission, public defense and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Overview of the Position

Assistant Public Defender combines their demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of all their clients. The attorneys in these positions are expected to work independently in managing active caseloads while simultaneously working in team-oriented environments focused on a client-centered approach to representation. Successful candidates for these positions will begin their employment with MOPD in January 2026. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Zealous representation of indigent defendants charged with misdemeanor criminal and traffic matters.
• Ability to prepare for and manage an active caseload; including, but not limited to the handling of bail review hearings, District Court trials, preliminary hearings, violation of probation hearings, and modification of sentence hearings competently and resourcefully.
• Actively and effectively communicate with clients, their families, trial attorneys, court staff, and opposing counsel.
• Continuously seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
• Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.

Experience: None

Notes:

1. Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at the time of appointment.

2. The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Core Competencies and Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins. 
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
• Compassion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences. 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
• Some criminal trial experience or exposure is preferred.
• All offers will be contingent on membership in good standing with the Maryland bar by December 2025.

Salary

Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules will apply to any offer made.

Assistant Public Defender I: $86,752.00-$127,473.00 (Grade 20: Step 6-Step 26) 

Benefits

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender offers a generous benefits package that includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance. Benefits also include retirement savings, life insurance, and the option to participate in supplemental retirement options. MOPD Employees receive 6 days of personal leave, 15 days of sick leave, and at least 10 days of annual leave each calendar year in addition to paid holidays, and parental leave.

For more details and a full list of benefits as an employee with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender click here.

How To Apply

To be considered, you must complete the online application AND submit the required documents.

When you get to the tab labeled resume, you should INCLUDE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS in the resume upload in one PDF.  The required documents for this position are listed below.

1. A current resume.

2. A cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position.

3. A list of four professional references, please include your relationship to the reference.

4. A writing sample.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Individuals selected for an interview will receive an invitation for a Spark Hire interview invitation.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d)(2).

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.  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, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.