Circuit Court Collateral Unit: Balto City (District I)

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks an experienced and impassioned advocate to serve in the Circuit Court Collateral Unit in Baltimore City, Maryland. This position requires exceptional advocacy skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active caseload.  We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. 

OPD’s Baltimore City office is a large urban public defender’s office with 200+ employees providing client-centered representation to juveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Baltimore City. OPD strives to achieve Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the OPD’s mission.

Overview of the Position

Collateral Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences of criminal convictions that lead to deeper system involvement.

 Primary duties and responsibilities

●Ability to handle criminal cases and collateral legal matters.

● Ability to work independently and to recognize and resolve issues related to their workload.

● Represents the client in collateral matters, including violation of probation hearings.

● Represents clients in bond hearings.

● Represents clients in hearings on motions for modification of sentence.

● Represents clients in hearings on motions for commitment to substance abuse treatment.

● Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case

   precedents in preparation for hearings and to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.

●Drafts/reviews, proposes, and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, legal documents, motions, and

  correspondence, for clients.

● Counsels and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.

● Conducts plea negotiations with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the

   client.

● Provides post-representation follow-up with the client regarding matters such as client release, and other appropriate

   collateral issues.

● Other duties as assigned by the District Public Defender for Baltimore City.

Training and qualifications

● Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.

● Compassion for clients and their lived experiences.

● Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people with different lived experiences.

● Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.

● Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.

Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state by the start date.

Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the 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 II: starting at $96,227.00-$136,003.00 (Grade 21: Step 8)

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

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 for this position, please click here to complete our online form, and please submit the following materials in one PDF attachment to opd-jobs.law@maryland.gov: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four references, and (4) writing sample. In the subject line of the email please indicate “Circuit Court Collateral Unit, Baltimore City.”  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d). Assistant Public Defenders cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.

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.