Parental Defender: Baltimore City

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a zealous and dedicated advocate to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in our Parental Defense Division (PDD). The Parental Defense Division protects and advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians in Child in Need of Assistance/Termination of Parental Rights (CINA/TPR) proceedings. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

MOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All, and we are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and being united as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity. MOPD seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Overview of the Position

Parental Defenders represent parents and/or legal guardians whose children have been removed or are at risk of being removed from their care and custody by the State. The attorney in this position will represent clients in adversarial proceedings from the initial Emergency Shelter Care Hearing to the Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) trial. Our attorneys are critical thinkers with a demonstrated ability to apply legal analysis in an area of the law that may be unsettled. Attorneys must be willing to challenge the system with a healthy sense of outrage and be persistent in the face of ambiguity or outright resistance to their position. Parental Defenders must be able to handle case-related emergencies and various personalities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, and follow office procedures and processes. This position is for our Baltimore City office.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Protect clients’ Constitutional rights to raise and rear their children.
• Defend clients against allegations of neglect and/or abuse.
• Utilize excellent litigation and oral advocacy skills.
• Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at every stage of the proceeding.
• Engage in motion practice, legal research, and writing.
• Obtain, organize, and review records and documents necessary for preparing a defense.
• Develop and maintain client relationships over the extended life of the case.
• Collaborate with PDD social workers, criminal defense attorneys, parent advocates, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.
• Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected. Be non-judgmental and empathetic towards clients experiencing socio-economic challenges and/or barriers.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients. 
• Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
• Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender. 

Core Competencies and Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to service marginalized communities. 
• Dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness.
• Compassion and empathy.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences. 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to use technology to telework and participate in virtual court hearings as necessary.
• Strong organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload with short deadlines.
• Prior experience in litigation including CINA/TPR, Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, or Family Law (experience may include internships, law school clinical programs, or any other relevant experience).
• Strong communication and client advocacy skills.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state is required. Attorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.

Salary

Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules will apply to any offer made. This would be a lateral transfer for MOPD attorneys.

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

Assistant Public Defender II: $96,227.00-$136,003.00 (Grade 21: Step 8-Step 26) 

Assistant Public Defender III: $106,620.00-$145,151.00 (Grade 22: Step 10-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

If you wish to be considered, please click below to fill out the application and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Resume Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, and (4) a law school transcript (if graduated within the last three years).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

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, office environments, and detention facilities 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.