PARALEGAL I/II Series

All applicants must be able to effectively communicate with staff, 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 and research including use of Westlaw, 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, the ability to work with Senior Staff on a variety of complex issues wherein both confidentially and independent thinking will be critical, often under time pressure.  This position will involve interaction with a variety of persons including, OPD staff, clients, witnesses, court employees, attorneys, and other professionals. 

ASTD12 (II)

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:  (Both levels)

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 and Westlaw.

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.  

5) Experience working with detained or incarcerated persons, attorneys and law enforcement or courtroom personnel or with other State agencies’ leadership.

6) Experience interviewing people and documenting the interview.

7) Experience in preparing information memorandum on varied topics in the legal field under time pressure circumstances.

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.